“The Passage (The Dead End)” is a cityscape artwork by Maurice Utrillo, belonging to the Post-Impressionism art movement. The artwork measures 46 x 62 cm and is currently located in the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris, France.
The artwork depicts an urban scene characterized by a narrow, empty street leading into an architectural passageway flanked by traditional Parisian buildings. The street in the foreground is lined with various multi-story dwellings, their facades reflecting the textures and subtle colors typical of an aging cityscape. The buildings are rendered with meticulous detail, showcasing the characteristic shutters and chimneys of the locale. The muted tones of the buildings and street contrast with the hint of foliage seen emerging in the background, offering a gentle juxtaposition of nature amidst the rigid urban structure. The sky overhead is painted in soft, neutral shades, contributing to the overall tranquil and somewhat nostalgic atmosphere of the piece. Utrillo’s precision in capturing the essence of urban Paris is evident, emphasizing both the serenity and desolation inherent in the scene.
