Bidspirit auction | Maurice Utrillo (1883-1955)

Maurice Utrillo (1883-1955) - Moulin de la Galette. Color lithograph on Arches vellum paper. Dimensions: 56 x 38 cm Signed on the plate: Maurice Utrillo V; lower left in pencil: 247/275 Signed in pencil by Jean Fabris, authenticated with his stamp on the reverse Edition authenticated with the dry seal of S.P.A.D.E.M. and the dry seal of the Maurice Utrillo.V studio (Jean Fabris, French art historian and secretary to the painter's widow) In the 19th century, 30 mills operated on Montmartre hill, serving various purposes – grinding grain and pressing grape harvests into wine. Les moulin de Montmartre also ground limestone into plaster, stone, and onions for perfumery. At the top of Rue Lepic, there were more than a dozen of these mills. Only two mills remain today: Blute-fin from 1662 and Radet from 1717. These two mills, combined into one, constitute the place known as the ”Moulin de la Galette.” In 1809, the mills were purchased by the Debray family. The galette was a grain roll sold by the owners—usually with a glass of milk. The roll became so famous that the place where it was produced was named after it. In 1830, the milk was replaced with wine, primarily local wine from Montmartre, and the Moulin de Galette was transformed into a cabaret. Parisians visited Montmartre to enjoy simple entertainment in what was then a rural part of the city. With a glass of wine and fresh bread, they could relax and enjoy the magnificent panorama of the city and the Seine River stretching from the hill.