If we were to compile a Top Ten list of artists whose troubled lives matched their talent, Maurice would be on top of it. Beyond the drug use, alcoholism and violent behaviour, however, the intriguingly delicate paintings tell a story of sensitivity and struggle. Because Maurice’s evocative depictions of Montmartre’s melancholy streets and quiet courtyards reflect not only the charm of this famous Parisian suburb but also the turmoil of his own life, and his constant battle with those dreaded inner demons.
Whether you admire Utrillo for the atmospheric quality of his Montmartre-scapes or, like us, are drawn ghoulishly to the tragic complexity of his life, this t-shirt is bound to spark a conversation.