Vintage art book

Utrillo – 1953 Palettes Collection Art Monograph (Trilingual Edition)

A beautifully produced 1953 art monograph on Maurice Utrillo, part of the esteemed French Palettes collection, published by Les Éditions Braun et Cie, Paris. This edition is presented in three languages — French, English, and German — making it an accessible and collectible piece for international art lovers.

The volume features thoughtful commentary by Francis Jourdain alongside 24 rich illustrated plates in full color, showcasing Utrillo’s famous depictions of Montmartre, Parisian streets, and village scenes. The cover artwork, titled La Rue Cortot (1910–1911), adds to the book’s historical charm.

About Utrillo:

Maurice Utrillo (1883–1955) was one of the most distinctive figures in early 20th-century French painting. Born in Montmartre to the artist Suzanne Valadon, Utrillo became known for his hauntingly quiet cityscapes, capturing the narrow streets, churches, and cafés of his native Paris with a raw, almost melancholy beauty. His signature “white period,” marked by textured, chalky façades, remains especially prized by collectors. While many of his contemporaries leaned into avant-garde experimentation, Utrillo stayed firmly rooted in the everyday — elevating humble urban corners into scenes of poetic stillness. His works hold a special place in the history of Montmartre’s bohemian art community and continue to captivate collectors and admirers of French cultural heritage.

Printed in France on quality presses by Braun et Cie, this edition is both a fine art reference and a decorative object — ideal for display on a bookshelf, coffee table, or in a collector’s cabinet. The original dust jacket shows wear appropriate to its age, adding authentic vintage character.

• Published: 1953, France
• Dimensions: ~8.25 x 6.25”
• Language: French, English, German
• Condition: Good vintage condition with wear to the dust jacket; clean interior pages; vivid color plates

Styling Tip:

Style this monograph on a coffee table alongside a vintage candlestick, a small brass object, or a stack of well-worn French paperbacks to evoke a refined, Parisian intellectual atmosphere.