Lot 277
William Spratling (American, 1900-1967), pencil sketches of Mexican subjects, ca. 1928 CE. Signed, dated, and finely drawn in pencil by William Spratling, the artist, author, and entrepeneur best known for his work as a silversmith and designer who revitalized Taxco, Mexico's silver industry in the early 20th century - two studies of Mexican subjects, one an elderly gentleman wearing a sombrero and simple clothing, seated in profile with his knees slightly raised and his hands on his lap, as if resting or engaged in deep thought; below and to the left, a female, kneeling and facing away from the viewer, holding a bundle, perhaps a swaddled infant, in her arms. "Spratling Ozumba" is written in pencil on the cover of the mat. These drawings may have been studies for Spratiling's book "Little Mexico" (1932) or poet Elizabeth Morrow's "Casa Manana" (1930). Size: drawing measures 6.375" L x 5.375" W (16.2 cm x 13.7 cm); 9.5" L x 14.25" W (49.5 cm x 36.2 cm) matted
Spratling made his initial visit to Mexico in 1926, and returned each summer for the next several years. Finally, in 1929, Spratling actually moved to Mexico to be an expatriate, becoming an active member of the vibrant artistic circles of Mexico. Spratling promoted the art of none other than Diego Rivera to New York galleries which led to Rivera's participation in the first exhibition of Mexican visual culture held in the United States, funded by the Carnegie Institute, that opened at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Not only did Spratling assist in curating the exhibition, but he also lent a number of his own pieces. During this same time period, Spratling was working on drawings for the expanding Morrow (US Embassador to Mexico Dwight Morrow and his wife, the poet Elizabeth Cutter Morrow) home in Cuernavaca. Many of these drawings were included in the book written by Elizabeth Morrow entitled, "Casa Mañana" (Knopf, 1930). It was Ambassador Morrow who suggested that Spratling explore developing the silver jewelry in Taxco.
Provenance: ex- private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection
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#124490
- Condition: Drawing has slight creasing at peripheries and normal discoloration of paper commensurate with age; however, the drawing, signature, initials, and date are quite vivid. Overall excellent.
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