Lot 309
Fidel Figueroa (Mexican, 1905-1975). Village Street Scene in Taxco, Mexico. Oil on canvas, n.d. Signed at lower right. Warm sunlight washes across the steep streets and stucco facades of Taxco in this lively village scene by Mexican painter Fidel Figueroa. The composition centers on a narrow passageway framed by rustic colonial buildings with red clay tile roofs, their pale plaster walls glowing under a soft blue sky. A small balcony overflows with greenery and flowers, while a wrought iron lantern projects from the wall, emphasizing the architectural character that defines the hillside town. Through an arched passage, the eye is drawn deeper into the village where rooftops cascade toward distant hills. Size of painting: 19.5" W x 23.75" H (49.5 cm x 60.3 cm); of frame: 27.5" W x 31.5" H (69.8 cm x 80 cm)
Figueroa animates the scene with small human moments that bring the street to life. A man wearing a broad hat walks along the elevated path beside a donkey, while below, a woman in a bright red skirt moves along the shaded lane. Their figures provide scale and rhythm within the composition, quietly suggesting the daily routines of life in the mountain town. The angled stairways, retaining walls, and arched corridor reflect the layered topography that makes Taxco one of Mexico's most visually distinctive colonial settlements.
The painting demonstrates Figueroa's sensitivity to color and texture. Thick, expressive brushwork builds the surfaces of the walls and rooftops, creating a tactile sense of sun warmed plaster and aged masonry. The palette blends warm ochres and terracottas with cooler greens and blues, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of southern Mexico while balancing light and shadow across the scene. This painterly approach lends energy and immediacy to what might otherwise be a quiet architectural view.
Taxco, a historic silver mining center nestled in the mountains of Guerrero, has long inspired artists with its winding streets, colonial architecture, and dramatic hillside vistas. In this composition Figueroa distills the charm of the town into a carefully structured yet spontaneous scene, where architecture, landscape, and daily life merge into a vivid portrait of place. Signed "F. Figueroa" at the lower right, the work stands as a warm and engaging interpretation of one of Mexico's most picturesque towns.
About the artist: Fidel Figueroa (Mexican, 1907-1975) was a prominent painter and cultural figure in Taxco, Mexico, and the founder of the Taxco School of the Arts. Known for his depictions of the town's steep streets, colonial architecture, and everyday life, he played an important role in shaping Taxco's artistic identity during the mid-20th century. Figueroa served as director of the school
Provenance: Private collection of important Hollywood family, collected between 1930 and 1980
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
Please note that buyers are responsible for understanding and complying with the import regulations of their destination country. While we carefully prepare and document all shipments, we cannot be held responsible for customs delays, clearance issues, additional duties or taxes, or any seizure of property. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#200747
- Condition: Mounted in custom matte and frame with suspension wire on verso for display. Some water damage to verso of canvas; does not affect painting. A few areas of
Accepted Forms of Payment:
ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |