- 4
Diego Rivera (1886-1957)
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 USD
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Description
- Diego Rivera
- Untitled (La Alumbrada, Iglesia de San Andrés, Mixquic)
- signed lower center
- ink and watercolor on rice paper
- 17 1/2 by 24 3/4 in.
- 45 by 63 cm
- Executed circa 1938.
Provenance
Acquired from the artist, circa 1930s
Private Collection, New York
Thence by descent to the present owner
Private Collection, New York
Thence by descent to the present owner
Condition
This work is in good condition, taking its age into account. The media layer is stable. Artist pinholes are present in each of the four corners of the sheet. Faint creasing is present to the extreme left and right edges of the sheet, as well as to the extreme lower left corner.
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.
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
Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a cherished Mexican tradition, uniquely blends Indigenous/Mesoamerican and Spanish-Catholic rituals. Observed over the course of several days during the end of October through the beginning of November, complex altars are constructed by families in their homes as dedications to the deceased while festive vigils and spectacular processions are held throughout the country. The lavish celebrations held in the state of Michoacán particularly impressed Diego Rivera the most.
The present work captures this popular celebration, a theme Rivera revisits on numerous occasions throughout his oeuvre. Here, Rivera depicts the evening ceremony known as La Alumbrada, unfolding in front of the Iglesia de San Andrés de Mixquic. An impressive gathering of participants hold illuminated candles. In the foreground plumes of light smoke float from burning incense urns. It is from this overwhelming congregation of glowing candles that Rivera creates an active interplay between light and shadow, carefully revealing details of this spectacular moment of reverence: the outlines of crosses being carried in procession can be seen in the background and the fine architectural details of the Church entryway are faintly defined.
The present work captures this popular celebration, a theme Rivera revisits on numerous occasions throughout his oeuvre. Here, Rivera depicts the evening ceremony known as La Alumbrada, unfolding in front of the Iglesia de San Andrés de Mixquic. An impressive gathering of participants hold illuminated candles. In the foreground plumes of light smoke float from burning incense urns. It is from this overwhelming congregation of glowing candles that Rivera creates an active interplay between light and shadow, carefully revealing details of this spectacular moment of reverence: the outlines of crosses being carried in procession can be seen in the background and the fine architectural details of the Church entryway are faintly defined.