Rafael Ferrer (Puerto Rican, b. 1933) "Mercado" - color monotype, ca. 1991 to 1992. Signed "R. Ferrer" on the lower right. Title "Mercado" handwritten on lower center. An impressively large and vibrant color monotype by contemporary Puerto Rican artist Raphael Ferrer, depicting a lovely vendor dressed in yellow tending to fresh produce at an outdoor market while a male bystander, perhaps a potential customer or a special friend, gazes at her below the brim of his cap. All is delineated with Ferrer's signature brilliant color palette designed to conjure the tropical landscape of his native land. The fruits and vegetables - including plantains, guavas and more - will certainly resonate with anyone who has spent time in the Caribbean. Adding a bit of humor, Ferrer has also marked a row of bottles behind the vendor with his initials. A stunning tribute to his culture, perhaps hinting at a romantic narrative as well. Size: 44.5" W x 30.125" H (113 cm x 76.5 cm); 54.125" W x 39.75" H (137.5 cm x 101 cm) framed

Rafael Ferrer's oeuvre is quite diverse as he has mastered so many media ranging from Process Art installations to figurative paintings, lithographs, and assemblages. According to Ferrer, the motivation for this variety originates in his experience with improvisation as a musician. In his own words, "My earlier life as a musician created in my psyche a sense that what you do is dictated by the needs of the moment, all within a repertoire…It’s not about repetition, but it’s about the challenge of the moment." Ferrer's works may be found in esteemed public collections, including The Baltimore Museum of Art, The Denver Museum of Art, The Metropolitan Museum, The Museum of Modern Art, and The Whitney Museum of American Art.

Provenance: private Lewis collection, Florida, USA, purchased from Metropolitan Museum of Art gift shop lithograph section

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#160760

Hand-signed "R. Ferrer" on the lower right. Title "Mercado" handwritten on lower center. Crease mark to upper center and lower right. Surface scratch (tear does not penetrate the paper) to vendor's yellow garment. A few scuffs/chips to frame. Minor tears to gallery paper on verso. No glass over monotype. Otherwise monotype and framing are very nice. Wired for suspension.