Row of Houses at Pierrefitte c. 1905

Maurice Utrillo crafted "Row of Houses at Pierrefitte" using oil on board, presenting a scene where the structural merges with the organic. The composition is built around the horizontal thrust of the row of houses, countered by the verticality of skeletal trees in the foreground. Utrillo's application of paint is thick and textural, creating a tactile surface that invites the eye to linger. The palette is restrained, dominated by muted greens, browns, and whites, which evoke a sense of quietude. The brushstrokes are visible, adding to the raw, immediate feel of the work. There is a tension here, a play between representation and abstraction, where the houses and trees are recognizable, yet dissolve into the materiality of the paint itself. Ultimately, Utrillo's focus on texture and form creates a viewing experience that reflects on the nature of seeing and knowing. The painting serves as a reminder that art is not just about depicting the world, but about exploring the very structures through which we perceive it.