José Clemente Orozco
(1883-1949)
Untitled, abstract
Ink and gouache on paper
Signed lower right: J.C. Orozco
Sheet: 10.375" H x 14.125" W
Provenance: The Collection of Frederick W. Davis
Private Collection, Southern California, by descent from the above

Other Notes: José Clemente Orozco, born on November 23, 1883, in Zapotlán el Grande, Jalisco, Mexico, became a pivotal figure in the Mexican Mural Renaissance. Renowned for his politically charged murals, he, along with Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros, defined this transformative movement. Orozco's art delved into human suffering and the political struggles of peasants and workers, reflecting his deep commitment to social causes.

His journey into art commenced during his time in Mexico City in the 1890s, where he found inspiration in the works of the satirical illustrator José Guadalupe Posada. Despite losing his left hand at the age of 21 in a tragic accident, Orozco's passion for art remained undeterred. He immersed himself in art education, studying at the Academy of San Carlos and engaging in the revolutionary movements of the time.

His artistic career spanned various locations, from Mexico City to Claremont, California, and New York City. Orozco's murals, such as those at the National Preparatory School and the Pomona College, reflected his profound commentary on war, societal upheaval, and human struggle. While his contemporaries celebrated the Mexican Revolution's glory, Orozco depicted its darker aspects, emphasizing the toll it took on society.

His return to Mexico in 1934 marked the creation of significant masterpieces like 'The Catharsis' and the iconic frescoes at the Hospicio Cabañas in Guadalajara. Despite residing in Mexico City, Orozco's legacy extended internationally through works like 'The Epic of American Civilization' at Dartmouth College, an expansive mural that encapsulated migration, cultural clashes, and spirituality.

Orozco's dedication to art and social commentary persisted until his passing on September 7, 1949, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate through his thought-provoking murals and profound artistic expressions.

Pale light staining throughout. Pea-sized or smaller areas of surface skinning scattered throughout the outer edge, and larger areas scattered throughout the verso. Soft and scattered handling creases and the upper right corner slightly dog-eared. A small foxmark in the lower portion of the extreme left edge. Abrasion along the extreme edges. Artist pinholes at each of the sheet corners and the upper and lower edges, at center. The extreme lower edge is unevenly trimmed, possibly in the hand of the artist. The sheet is loose, not matted.

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