Los Angeles, CA — On Wednesday, November 20th, 2024, at 10:00am PST, John Moran Auctioneers invites you experience work from some of the most influential artists of the 20th century presented in their Latin American Art + Design auction. This winter sale has over 400 lots of art and design, and will offer everything from fine art to Folk Art, candlesticks, pottery, and nearly 100 lots of Mexican silver including tableware and jewelry. Featured artists include Alfredo Ramos Martinez, Carlo Merida, Lourenco Goncalves, Miguel Osuna, Javier Calleja, Rufino Tamayo, with jewelry designs by Hector Aguilar, William Spratling, Antonio Pineda, Fred Davis, Matilde Poulat, and Ricardo Salas.
Rufino Tamayo (1899-1991, Mexican), "Mano Negra" $3,000-5,000
Leading the sale are modern works by Alfredo Ramos Martinez and Carlo Merida. A painter, muralist, and educator, Ramos Martinez (1871-1946) is considered by many to be the ‘Father of Mexican Modernism’. Making its way to the block is “La Bienaventurada Virgin Maria”, one of his pastel works, estimated $10,000-15,000. Merida (1891-1985) was a Guatemalan artist who was one of the first to fuse European modern painting to Latin American themes, especially those related to Guatemala and Mexico. He was part of the Mexican muralism movement in subject matter but less so in style. Merida’s “Espectro en Rojo,” 1974, will be offered with a $10,000-15,000 estimate.
Other fine art highlights feature Miguel Osuna, Javier Calleja, and Rufino Tamayo. Osuna (b. 1961) is a Los Angeles based contemporary artist who explores emotion and understanding of what is human. Through landscape, abstract, geometric and free-hand gestural work, he creates “the manifestation of a particular feeling in a particular moment in time.” Estimated $4,000-8,000 is his large, 48” H x 48” W work titled, “Night Highway Overpass”. A contemporary Spanish artist known for his whimsical and introspective approach to art is Javier Calleja. Calleja (b. 1971) captures audiences with his distinctive blend of humor, simplicity, and profound emotional depth. His minimalist style often features childlike figures with oversized eyes and playful expressions, as seen in his work, “Cada Cual,” estimated $3,000-5,000, evoking a sense of innocence and curiosity. Collectors won’t be surprised to find Rufino Tamayo works at Moran’s. Last December, the auction house presented, “Three figures on a log,” 1932, which earned a winning bid of $20,320*. This December, collectors will have eight opportunities to own the figurative abstract artist’s work though a collection of mixographs. Titles include “Cara en Rojo”, estimated $3,000-5,000, “Mano Negra,” 1977, valued at $3,000-5,000, and with an estimate of $2,000-3,000, “Diamantes,” 1977.
Polychrome carved wood santos, Saint of Good Fortune $3,000-5,000
Representing the collection of religious art is a painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe (also known as the “Lady of Guadalupe”) with applied silver stars and crown, estimated $5,000-7,000. Other items in this category include two polychrome carved wood figures— a Latin American santo bulto figure of Saint Cajetan (saint of good fortune), valued at $3,000-5,000, and a Spanish Colonial bastidor of the Virgin Mary, estimated $800-1,200.
José Benítez Sánchez (1938-2009) was a Huichol artist whose creative ability was recognized in various parts of Mexico. The fame of his yarn paintings has transcended borders being exhibited in the United States, Canada, Japan and Europe. This auction will present a variety of yarn paintings, one being Sánchez’s “Creation of the World” with an estimate of $3,000-5,000.
For those interested in sculptures, there will be a group of Taller Alfonso Castillo pottery sculptures, estimated $1,000-2,000, a gold-toned bronze “Seagull,” estimated $1,000-2,000, by the Mexican painter and sculptor Leonardo Nierman, and over twenty lots of Pre-Columbian pottery with estimated ranging $500-3,000.
Always a favorite among collectors is the gorgeous selection of Mexican silver jewelry. Standout pieces include an Antonio Pineda Mexican silver and amethyst brooch, estimated $800-1,200, a Fred Davis silver and obsidian mask panel necklace, valued at $800-1,200, and a Hector Aguilar Mexican silver link bracelet, offered with a $700-900 estimate. A Matl silver and turquoise brooch by Matilde Poulat and Ricardo Salas will also be available with an estimate of $300-500.
Other notable lots include a Brazilian carved wood trestle table, estimated $1,000-1,500, work from the Spanish Colonial School (18th century) titled, “La Alegora de la Redencion,” estimated $1,000-1,500, four black and white photographs of Frida Kahlo by Lola Alvarez Bravo, valued at $800-1,200, and four lots of wooden Guatemalan slingshots, all offered with $300-500 estimates.
*- Includes buyer’s premium.
— Brenda Smith, John Moran Auctioneers
“Making its way to the block is “La Bienaventurada Virgin Maria”, one of his pastel works, estimated $10,000-15,000.”
Alfredo Ramos Martinez (1871-1946), “La Bienaventurada Virgin Maria” $10,000-15,000
Upcoming Auctions
John Moran Auctioneers is continuing their 2024 lineup with the California and American Fine Art auction, Tuesday, November 12th, 2024, followed by the Art of the American West sale, Wednesday, November 13th, 2024. Be sure to mark your calendars for these upcoming auctions so you don’t miss out on the action, and the treasures!
California and American Fine Art: Tuesday, November 12th | 12:00 pm PDT
Art of the American West: Wednesday, November 13th | 10:00 am PDT
Modern & Contemporary Fine Art: Tuesday, November 19th | 12:00 pm PDT
Latin American Art + Design: Wednesday, November 20th | 10:00 am PDT
Stitches: Handbags, Couture, & Accessories: Mon., December 10th | 12:00 pm PDT
Jewelry & Watches: Tuesday, December 10th | 12:00 pm PDT
The Traditional Collector: Wednesday, December 11th | 12:00 pm PDT
For upcoming highlights, online catalogues, and more information on these sales, visit Moran’s website: www.johnmoran.com and follow us on social media: @johnmoran_auctioneers. Along with our website, bidding is now available online via Moran’s new mobile app, Moran Mobile, available on both iOS and Android operating systems. You may also choose to bid by phone or absentee.
Consignments are always welcome:
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