Two passionate historians have launched an ambitious investigation to uncover lost artworks, letters, and memorabilia connected to the famous French painter Maurice Utrillo's visits to Orthez and the broader Béarn region during the 1920s. The search aims to gather materials for an upcoming exhibition dedicated to the renowned Montmartre artist at the Angoulême Museum.
On August 1st, Pamela de Montleau and Philippe Cassereau initiated what they describe as an original heritage investigation focused on tracing the footsteps of Maurice Utrillo in Béarn. The two history enthusiasts are calling on local residents, collectors, and art lovers to come forward with any items or information related to the artist's lesser-known period in southwestern France.
Utrillo, the celebrated Montmartre painter who gained worldwide recognition for his luminous urban landscapes and iconic street scenes of Paris, made several extended visits to Orthez throughout the 1920s. The artist had family connections in Salles-Mongiscard, which drew him regularly to the Béarn region during this period of his career.
During his time in the area, Utrillo discovered an unexpected source of artistic inspiration far from his usual Parisian subjects. He created several paintings of local landscapes and monuments that remain relatively unknown to the art world today. These works represent a departure from his famous Montmartre scenes, showcasing his ability to capture the unique character and atmosphere of rural southwestern France.
The upcoming exhibition at the Angoulême Museum will shed new light on this overlooked chapter of Utrillo's artistic journey, provided the historians can locate sufficient materials from his Béarn period. The search represents an important effort to preserve and celebrate the cultural heritage of both the region and one of France's most beloved painters.
