Maurice Utrillo - Montmartre Street Scene

This item is a framed landscape painting that appears to be in the style of Maurice Utrillo (1883-1955). The artwork depicts a typical Parisian street scene, likely in the Montmartre district, featuring narrow cobblestone roads flanked by tall, aged white-washed buildings. The medium appears to be watercolor or gouache on paper, executed with a palette of muted greys, whites, and earthy tones with small accents of blue and green. The piece is signed 'Maurice, Utrillo, V.' (the 'V' standing for Valadon, his mother's surname) in the lower-right corner. The signature and subject matter are consistent with Utrillo's post-1910 work, rather than the 1800s as suggested in the prompt context. Physically, the artwork is professionally matted in an off-white mat and housed in a modern, deep mahogany or burgundy lacquered frame with a gold-tone inner fillet. The frame shows some surface dust and minor reflective glare. The paper itself shows slight evidence of foxing or toning consistent with age, though the colors remain readable. Utrillo's 'White Period' (1909–1914) is his most celebrated, characterized by the use of zinc and plaster to emulate the textures of Parisian walls, a style echoed in this composition. For valuation, the authenticity must be verified by a specialist or catalog raisonné, as Utrillo is one of the most frequently forged artists of the 20th century.