(Paris 1883–1955 Dax) ‘Château du Clos Vougeot’, titled, signed and dated Maurice Utrillo 1933, oil on canvas, 46 x 55 cm, framed, (PP)

Photo certificate: Paul Pétridès, Paris 6 September 1979 This work will be included in the catalogue raisonné de l’oeuvre complet de Maurice Utrillo by MM. Jean FABRIS and Cédric PALLIER which is currently in preparation. ‘Just west of the route des Grands Crus lies Clos de Vougeot, perhaps the most famous vineyard in Burgundy. (...) It was established and tended in the 12th century by Cistercians. The estate was originally comprised solely of functional buildings. In 1551 Abbot Jean Loisier commissioned the Renaissance wing. During the Revolution the vineyard was nationalised and sold off in small parcels of land, and the castle was abandoned to neglect. From 1944 it has been owned by the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, an association of vintners set up to promote the sale of French wine, in particular burgundy. (...) The two-storey main façade of the vineyard estate building, dating from the 16th century, is flanked by two angular towers. A round-headed portal leads into the inner courtyard, which is framed by estate building from the 12th and 13th centuries and two renovated wings. The cellars with their pointed gables rest on two rows of monolithic columns from the 12th century. Inside there are four wine presses (13th cent.).’ (Baedeker Guide, Burgundy, pp. 171–172)