Lot 15
Purportedly by a member of the Linares family (Mexican, 20th century). "Esmeralda" La Calavera Catrina papier mache figure. A wonderful papier mache figure of La Catrina created by a cartonero (papier-mache sculptor) from the famous Linares family and titled "Esmeralda." Draped in a long white dress, the Calaca figure is crowned by a wide-brimmed, flowered hat as she holds a cigarette to her toothy grimace. Layers upon layers of beaded necklace fall from her slender spine of a neck, while sliver plated earrings flank her skull and a feathered boa envelops her shoulders. La Catrina is one of the most recognizable figures of The Day of the Dead celebrations. This tall female skeleton traditionally wears an elaborate hat decorated with feathers. Her history is deep - the Aztecs worshipped her as a goddess of death who was believed to protect their deceased loved ones as they transitioned to the afterlife. Size: 24.5" L x 18" W x 47.7" H (62.2 cm x 45.7 cm x 121.2 cm)
The image of Catrina is thought to have originated with the Mexican graphic artist Jose Guadalupe Posada (Mexican, 1852-1913) in the early 1900s. A political cartoonist who was no stranger to controversy, Posada created this dandy-looking female skeleton wearing a fancy feathered hat, since some Mexicans wished to look like aristocratic Europeans during this period.
Pedro Linares and his three sons as well as several grandsons create their traditional papier mache calaveras figures in Mexico City. These figures are quite popular during the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) holiday - a celebration to honor the lives of deceased ancestors. According to the Fowler Museum at UCLA, "Beginning as makers of local fiesta props, the Linares family of artists now specializes in one-of-a-kind sculptures sought after by collectors and museums. Some of the familys most expressive sculptures are inspired by the skeletal figures of the graphic art of José Guadalupe Posada (1852-1913), regularly published in news broadsheets around the beginning of the twentieth century. In his lively visual commentaries Posada satirized contemporary issues, particularly during the annual Days of the Dead, a time traditionally rife with political and social satire. This particular work was drawn from Posadas rendering of Miguel de Cervantess beloved character Don Quixote, whose wild adventures and unbridled romanticism have long delighted audiences worldwide."
Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection, acquired on March 9th, 2001; ex-Que Tenga Buena Mano, Patricia Arscott, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
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#181898
- Condition: Hat, umbrella, necklaces, boa, and purse are removable. Cigarette is slightly loose. Stable fissures to arms and some light tearing to bottom of dress, as well as bending to tips of leaves on hat and some minor abrasions and surface wear in small areas. Light staining and wear to elbows, but otherwise intact and excellent with good remaining detail.
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