Carlos Merida
(1891-1984)
Abstract composition with a head and bird-like form, from "Motivos," 1936
Woodcut in colors on paper
Edition: 46/100
Signed and numbered in pencil in the lower margin: Carlos Merida; Ediciones arte Mexicano (EAM), Mexico City, pub.
Sight: 8" H x 6" W
Provenance: The Collection of Frederick W. Davis
Private Collection, Southern California, by descent from the above

Other Notes: Merida was part of the Mexican muralist movement and the first artist to fuse European modern painting with Latin American themes. This print is from a folio entitled Motivos published by Ediciones Arte Mexicano in 1936, when Merida was strongly influenced by European Surrealism. They reveal the imaginatively blended abstract and figurative elements that he preferred to narrative compositions. The prints have a lyrical quality that reflects his lifelong interest in music, dance, and rhythm. The portfolio also contains three letterpress poetic verses written by Nicolas Maquiavelo. -Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY NY

Overall good condition. With margins. Pale mat staining showing in the margins. A pinhead-sized spot of grime and stray pigment in the upper left quadrant near the upper edge of the image. Old tape residue along the right margin edge. The work is taped to the overmat with two pieces of old tape from the verso of the upper and lower margin edges.

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