Attributed to Pedro Linares (Mexican, 1906-1992) or one of his 3 sons, ca. mid 20th century CE. A fabulous papier-mache figure of a fantastical beast known as an alebrije, presenting with the body of a lizard, the head of a donkey, and the lengthy curved horns of a ram. Balanced on 3 feet with long, slender toes, the curious creature raises its right front leg, as though stepping forward, as its sinuous tail coils behind it. The fascinating figure's sizable head is angled skyward as it opens its mouth displaying 4 sharp fangs projecting outwards. Its eccentric visage exhibits bulging, annular eyes, full lips, and a series of three ridges that adorn the snout. Boasting vibrant hues of ultramarine, citrine, jasper, sienna, tan, cream, and black, the unique animal is painted with zigzag, polka-dot, geometric, and plume-like motifs. A strange and stunning example of Oaxacan folk art! Size: 18.25" L x 12.75" W x 15.75" H (46.4 cm x 32.4 cm x 40 cm)

Alebrijes were invented by the Mexico City cartonero (papier-mache artist) Pedro Linares. The story goes that Linares fell very ill in 1936 and when lying in bed he dreamt of a magical forest with trees, animals, rocks, and clouds that changed into strange unknown animals. All of these eccentric creatures were shouting one word, "Alebrijes! Alebrijes! Alebrijes!" Upon his recovery, he created three-dimensional papier-mache sculptures in the form of these obscure animals. These wonderful pieces caught the attention of many renowned artists, such as Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.

Provenance: ex-private Richmond, California, USA collection; ex-Fred and Nancy Roscoe collection, California, USA, collected in Mexico in the 1950s, likely from the Pedro Linares family

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#164361

Chipping and losses to paint in some areas. Surface wear to ends of toes, horns, tail, and fangs. Otherwise, excellent.