Lot 50
  • 50

Édouard-Henri-Théophile Pingret (1788-1875)

Estimate
90,000 - 120,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • Édouard-Henri-Théophile Pingret
  • Indio con traje de gala en puesto de comida
  • signed and inscribed Mexico lower left
  • oil on canvas
  • 26.4 by 22 3/8 in.
  • 67.1 by 57 cm

Provenance

Galerías Cristobal, Mexico City

Condition

Please note that the correct measurements for this lot are 26.4 by 22 3/8 in. (67.1 by 57 cm) The canvas is unlined. Under UV light inspection there appear to be scattered areas of restoration, specifically: in the upper left corner, in the faces of the indigenous figure, in the faces of the two women to the right and in the upper central section in the plumed headdress.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

While Edouard-Henri-Théophile Pingret is probably best known for his fine portraits of Mexico´s High Society in the 1850´s. He was also a sharp observer of every day life in Mexico City and Puebla: several paintings describe street scenes and interiors in which he carefully described Mexican costumes, activities and architectural details. This painting is an exceptional example.

At the time this catalogue was sent to press, this work was described as an "Indian in a Gala outfit by a Street Food Vendor". Interestingly, we have recently been approached by an American Indian historian who was surprised to recognize a Seminole Indian in lot 50. The proud and colorfully dressed man standing on the left of this composition has all the typical elements of the 19TH century Seminole outfit: a painted ostrich feathers headdress, knotted handkerchiefs crossing his chest, a pair of silver ornaments above the elbows, an open shirt over a vest and the typical skin leggings with ornaments above the knees. Seminoles chiefs also wore one or several silver half moon shaped ornaments across the chest, must like the one adorning the figure in this picture.

The specialist referred to this department extensive literature about an obscure episode of American and Mexican:  Seminoles (Anglicism for Spanish Cimarrones, or "run aways") were established in what is today Central Florida and Southern Georgia. When President Andrew Jackson ordered (Indian Removal Act, 1830) the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee-Creek, and Seminole (sometimes collectively referred to as the Five Civilized Tribes) be forcibly moved to the Oklahoma Territory, an important group of Seminoles fled to the south instead and established themselves in today's Southern Texas and Northern Mexico, specifically in what is today's Coahuila State

Our present knowledge about the artist's five year stay in Mexico does not indicate that the artist ever travelled to Coahuila where he could have had the opportunity to have this interesting subject pose for him. Are the walls and the church showing in the background those of one of the many Spanish Missions established south of the Rio Grande or was it the case that one of the Seminoles chiefs traveled instead to the Capital on a special mission to make his tribe's case before the Mexican central authorities?

In any event, this painting by Edouard Pingret illuminates an obscure chapter of mid 19th century Mexican and American history and thus becomes a highly important visual document as it remains a very beautiful and rare work by this influential figure in Mexican art.