Le Pont-Neuf © Maurice Utrillo 1955
Maurice Utrillo
20 works
Key Takeaways
Maurice Utrillo's prints demonstrate consistent market strength, with individual works typically achieving between £1,000 and £3,000, while complete collections can reach £10,000 or higher. His Paris Capitale (1955) series holds the record at £12,700. Authentication requires examination of materials and documentation, with reference to the Pétridès catalogue raisonné and verification through the Maurice Utrillo / Suzanne Valadon Association. Prints from both his 1920s lithographic period and 1950s etching period maintain steady value, though some earlier prints are particularly susceptible to fading due to their characteristic pale tones and delicate pochoir hand-colouring. The French market remains strongest for his work, with spring and autumn sales in Paris consistently achieving the best results, while growing institutional interest in Asia suggests expanding market opportunities.
Maurice Utrillo captured the soul of Montmartre in his celebrated prints, transforming the streets and buildings of Paris into poetic interpretations that continue to captivate collectors worldwide. Though primarily recognised for his paintings, Utrillo's prints offer collectors a more accessible way to own pieces by this master of French Modernism. This guide aims to assist those looking to navigate the market for Utrillo's prints, providing insights into valuation, authentication, and optimal selling strategies.
Utrillo's relationship with printmaking developed alongside his painting career, with many of his most successful lithographs based on his iconic Colour Period paintings. His prints often feature the same subject matter that made him famous: the streets, churches, and buildings of Montmartre, rendered with a distinctive combination of architectural precision and atmospheric effect. Working primarily with skilled lithographers in Paris, Utrillo produced prints that maintained the characteristic chalky whites and subtle greys of his paintings while adding unique textural elements possible only through the lithographic process.
How Much Do Maurice Utrillo Prints Sell For?
Maurice Utrillo's significant contribution to French Modernism is reflected in the enduring value of his prints. Individual prints typically achieve between £1,000 and £3,000, depending on their rarity, condition, and the specific period they represent, with complete collections of well-known prints achieving around £10,000.
Utrillo’s most popular prints typically originate in two key periods of his career: the 1920s and the 1950s. While his earlier prints have a more muted colour palette and softer detail, later prints often feature more subtle colouration and sophisticated printing techniques, demonstrating Utrillo's continued artistic development. Utrillo’s Paris Capitale (1955) collection of 10 lithographs continually proves to be his most popular printed work. Many of the artist’s highest print sales in the last 20 years have been of complete Paris Capitale collections. The record was set in 2004, when it sold in Tokyo for £12,700.
A similar suite of prints from around the same period, Le Village Inspire (1950), also proves popular. The suite comprises 12 lithographs made from original gouache paintings, each with the same soft, expressive, and quaintly illustrative style. A full set sold in 2013 for £6,918 in Tokyo - proving the popularity of these classically European scenes in the Asian market. The popularity of this print set comes in part due to its small edition sizes: limited to only 15. Other editions of this set exist, reaching up to 500 prints, but these tend to achieve lower prices. The popularity of Paris Capitale, however, is an exception to this rule - its high sale value is despite the relatively large size of its edition.
Many of Utrillo’s prints from the 1950s were not lithographs - instead, the artist began creating etchings and aquatints. Individual prints from this period typically incorporate bolder colours; despite this departure in style and medium, these prints prove consistently popular. La Rue Norvins À Montmartre (1952), for example, sold in 2012 for £3,385, and L'Eglise De Limours (1950) sold for £3,564 in 2017. These works, unlike Paris Capitale and Le Village Inspire, have solid, dark outlines and employ opaque naturalistic colours.
Utrillo's lithographs from the 1920s and 1930s, particularly those depicting Montmartre scenes, consistently achieve strong results at auction. Popular individual prints from this period include Le Moulin De La Galette. A black and white 1924 edition and a colour 1925 edition of this print exist, with a print from the colour edition auctioning for £8,764 in 2002.
Across all periods of Utrillo's printmaking career, smaller editions and prints featuring his most iconic Parisian scenes tend to command premium prices - as past sales results prove, however, edition size does not always dictate the tier of the print. Mid-tier prints, which can range from editions of 50 to 500, such as La Rue D'Orchamps (1925), regularly achieve between £1,500 and £2,500. The strength of Utrillo’s international market, sustained in particular by France and Japan, indicates collector confidence in Utrillo's prints as investment pieces.
How Do You Authenticate A Maurice Utrillo Print?
Authentication of Utrillo's prints requires particular attention due to the significant number of reproductions that entered the market during and after his lifetime. The process begins with establishing provenance, tracing the print's history of ownership and exhibition through documents such as certificates of authenticity, gallery receipts, and exhibition catalogues. The artist's mother, Suzanne Valadon, also an accomplished artist, often assisted in maintaining records of his work, making her documentation particularly valuable for authentication purposes.
Physical analysis also plays a crucial role in verifying authenticity. Utrillo primarily worked with established Parisian printing studios, including Mourlot (later works) and Editions des Chroniques du Jour (earlier works), each of which maintained specific practices regarding paper selection and printing techniques. Their stamps and watermarks can provide vital evidence of authenticity. The artist typically used high-quality wove papers for his lithographs, including Rives, and understanding the characteristics of these materials is essential for accurate authentication.
The definitive catalogue raisonné of Utrillo's work, compiled by Gilbert and Paul Pétridès between 1959 and 1974, remains the primary reference for authentication. Though focused primarily on paintings, this catalogue includes valuable information about print editions and variations. The Maurice Utrillo / Suzanne Valadon Association in Paris, however, can also assist in verification, maintaining extensive documentation of the artist's work including print editions.
Edition and Signature
Utrillo's approach to signing and numbering his prints evolved throughout his career. His signature typically appears in pencil in the lower margin, characterised by its distinctive flowing style and large lettering. Utrillo typically signed his name as "Maurice, Utrillo, V." - the V representing Valadon. Edition numbers usually appear as fractions in the lower left margin.
Print editions varied in size but were typically limited to between 50 and 100 copies. Some special editions were produced in much smaller numbers, sometimes as few as 25 - often, multiple editions exist of the same print with varying edition sizes. Artist's proofs, marked "E.A." (épreuve d'artiste), are particularly valued by collectors and can command premium prices when they come to market.
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Has Your Maurice Utrillo Print Been Kept In Good Condition?
The condition of Utrillo prints demands special consideration given the artist's distinctive use of white tones and subtle gradations that characterise his architectural subjects. These nuanced elements are particularly vulnerable to environmental damage and improper handling, making preservation crucial for maintaining both aesthetic impact and market value.
Utrillo's prints were typically produced on high-quality wove papers, often sourced from French manufacturers known for their fine printing papers. These materials, while generally robust, can be susceptible to foxing and acid burn, particularly around the edges. White and grey lithographic inks, prominent in many of Utrillo’s prints, can be particularly sensitive to light exposure and environmental conditions. His characteristic pale tones, dominant in his work from the 1920s and 1930s can show discolouration more readily than darker pigments, making proper storage essential. The presentation of your Utrillo prints can, however, help to preserve the quality of the colours. Print collections, such as Paris Capitale (1995), are generally kept together, bound into a book. As this naturally keeps all pages flat, covered, and away from direct light, prints should remain in good condition with minimal upkeep or need for assessment.
Prints produced alongside Editions des Chroniques du Jour in the late 1920s were typically pochoir prints. This means colour was added by hand after printing, often using watercolour or gouache inks. As such, these hand-coloured elements can be even more susceptible to fading, discolouration, or even scratching, showing irregular ageing compared to the printed elements.
To keep your print in the best possible condition, store it in an acid-free portfolio, away from direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity. If framed, use UV-protective glass and acid-free mounting materials to prevent degradation. Handle prints only while wearing clean cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils that could damage the paper. Regular assessment by qualified conservators can help prevent deterioration and maintain value.
For advice on how to get started with condition assessment of your Maurice Utrillo print, contact MyArtBroker.
When Is The Best Time To Sell My Maurice Utrillo Print?
The market for Utrillo's prints follows fairly predictable patterns and responds to cultural events, anniversaries related to the artist, exhibitions, and remarkable sales of original works. Understanding these cycles can help sellers maximise returns in a market that consistently shows appreciation for this master of Parisian art.
Major exhibitions focusing on French Modernism, Montmartre's artistic heritage, or Utrillo himself often spark renewed interest. The 2015 exhibition at the Musée de Montmartre examining the relationship between Utrillo and his mother, Suzanne Valadon, generated significant discussion and interest in both artists. International exhibitions are also likely to stir up interest overseas. Utrillo has a dedicated base of collectors in Japan, for example, and the upcoming 2025 exhibition at the Sompo Museum of Art in Tokyo is already having an impact in the Asian print market.
The French market - still Utrillo’s strongest - traditionally demonstrates particular strength during the spring and autumn seasons, when major art fairs and auctions in Paris attract international collectors. Institutional buying often increases during these periods as museums finalise their annual acquisition budgets. The timing of sales can also be influenced by broader trends in the market for early 20th century French art, with strong results for related artists often indicating favourable conditions for Utrillo prints.
Monitoring sales results and value trajectories through the online reports of major auction houses can provide valuable insights into market trends. These reports are freely available on auction house websites and can help identify which periods or subjects within Utrillo's work are currently attracting the strongest collector interest.
MyArtBroker offers advanced art tech tools to help you determine the optimal time to sell. Our MyPortfolio service features an AI-powered value indicator that provides real-time valuations of individual prints based on both public and private sales data. Combined with our complimentary valuations, we can help ensure your print achieves maximum value by selling at the perfect moment.
Where Can I Sell My Maurice Utrillo Print?
Selling A Maurice Utrillo Via A Broker
Art brokers specialising in French Modernism offer a more personalised approach to selling Utrillo prints. These professionals often maintain networks of collectors specifically interested in early 20th century French art. Their expertise can be particularly valuable for prints that might appeal to specialist collectors, such as those focused on Montmartre imagery or French architectural subjects. Working with a broker typically involves lower fees than auction houses, generally ranging from 10% to 20%. This route offers greater flexibility in timing and pricing strategy, allowing sellers to adjust to market conditions without the pressure of public auction deadlines. Brokers can also facilitate private viewings and negotiate directly with potential buyers, maintaining confidentiality throughout the process.
Selling A Maurice Utrillo Via Auction House
Major auction houses, particularly those with strong departments in French Modernism, regularly feature Utrillo's prints in their sales. Houses like Christie's, Sotheby's, and Artcurial in Paris maintain specialist expertise in early 20th century French prints and understand the nuances of Utrillo's market. These venues provide extensive international exposure and the potential for competitive bidding among informed collectors who appreciate the historical significance of Utrillo's work. The auction process begins with thorough examination and cataloguing by specialists who can properly contextualise Utrillo's work. However, sellers should consider that auction house fees typically reach 25% of the hammer price, with additional costs for insurance, shipping, and marketing. Success at auction depends heavily on current market conditions and the selection of an appropriate sale. There's also the risk of a print failing to meet its reserve price, which could affect its future market value. The rigid scheduling of auctions means sellers might wait months for appropriate themed sales.
To learn more, read our guide to Auction v Private Sale in the Art Market.
Selling A Maurice Utrillo Via Online Marketplace
Online art marketplaces have emerged as a potential avenue for selling art, though they present specific challenges for prints of Utrillo's calibre and historical importance. While these platforms offer global reach, the high values and authentication requirements of blue chip art prints demand levels of expertise and security that general online platforms struggle to provide. The inability to properly examine paper quality, printing technique, and condition in person makes most serious collectors hesitant to purchase significant prints online. Additionally, without proper authentication protocols and expert guidance, sellers risk undervaluing their work or attracting suspicious buyers. If considering an online sale, choose only specialised fine art platforms with robust verification processes and experience handling works by established modern masters.
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At MyArtBroker, we prioritise transparency and security in every art sale. Our stringent due diligence process ensures the authentication and verification of artwork provenance, drawing upon our in-house expertise and collaborating with professional external contacts when needed. This approach effectively mitigates the risk of trading counterfeit or stolen art pieces. Additionally, we minimise the risks associated with public sales. While public auctions may seem appealing, unsold prints can harm an artist's market. Private sales eliminate this risk and enable quicker liquidity release for your artwork compared to adhering to strict auction schedules dictating when your work can be offered for sale.
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Our team of specialists offers tailored services to procure rare and special edition prints, catering to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the market. As part of our standard practice, we provide complimentary valuations and charge zero seller's fees, setting us apart from other private brokers and traditional auction houses. By minimising overhead costs, we allocate resources towards digital innovation and targeted marketing strategies within our network and house magazine.
When it comes to selling artwork, achieving the best price hinges on accessing a niche market with an established collector community. If you're looking to sell a print, turning to a specialist in the print market, like MyArtBroker, yields superior results compared to approaching an auction house, which caters to broader categories of artwork.
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Maurice Utrillo Collection Management With MyPortfolio
In addition to our live trading floor, MyArtBroker's MyPortfolio serves as a collection management system, empowering collectors to curate and oversee their prints and editions collection. This feature grants users access to our print market database, uniquely tied to our proprietary algorithm, SingularityX. This algorithm scans and analyses both public auction and private sales data to determine real time valuations of individual print works, factoring in various aspects such as condition, colour, and other factors affecting value.
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