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About this work:
“La Penitenciaria (The Penitentiary), 1930” by David Alfaro Siqueiros (Mexican, 1896-1974).
A powerful and rare early print by the great Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros, co-founder of the Mexican Muralism movement alongside Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco.
In 1930 Siqueiros was imprisoned in Mexico City’s Lecumberri penitentiary for his political activism. With only scraps of wood at hand, he created a remarkable series of thirteen woodcuts that give haunting form to themes of isolation, poverty, and resilience. “La Penitenciaria” is one of the most iconic from the group, later gathered into the important portfolio Siqueiros: 13 Grabados (1931).
Other examples from this same edition of 300 can be found in several important museum collections.
This work is a woodcut on paper and is signed and numbered (111/300) in the lower margin. It is beautifully matted and framed behind glass.
Size:
3.75 inches tall by 3.25 inches wide (image)
11.75 inches tall by 9.25 inches wide (sheet)
16.75 inches tall by 14.25 inches wide by 1.25 inches deep (frame)
Provenance:
Private collection, NY;
Acquired from the above
About the artist:
David Alfaro Siqueiros was a leading figure in the Mexican school of great mural painters, alongside José Clemente Orozco and Diego Rivera. Siqueiros was wildly prolific in his career; his work often featured social and political subjects, and demonstrated his influences, including Francisco Goya, religious art, and Italian Futurism. Siqueiros’ works are distinguished for their use of dynamic perspective, monumental forms, dramatic use of shadow, and a limited color palette. In addition to painting, Siqueiros was an avid political activist with a tumultuous personal history; he once led a student strike against San Carlos Academy, and his more violent activities landed him in jail and, eventually, exile.
Condition: Very good overall condition. Toning to the sheet. Not examined out of frame. Wear to frame commensurate with age and handling. It is ready to be displayed and enjoyed!
This work will be carefully packed and shipped with insurance and signature confirmation. Free local pick up is also available.
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