**Originally Listed At $700**

Latin America, Mexico, ca. late 20th century CE. A papier-mache alluring Catrina figure made for the celebratory Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival by an artist in Mexico. She is 4 foot (121.9 cm) tall, with femme fatale attire: plunging necklace, a bustle that hugs her curves, with lace, peacock feathers, and a cigarette dangling casually from her skeletal hand. The name bestowed on this woman was "Black Widow" and we think that suits this shady lady. The nickel brass jewelry was tasteful additions by the previous owner. Size: 15" L x 16" W x 48" H (38.1 cm x 40.6 cm x 121.9 cm)

La Catrina is one of the most recognizable figures of the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations. This tall female skeleton traditionally wears an elaborate hat decorated with feathers; however, sculptors have also reinterpreted her dress and decoration, as we see in this "Black Widow" interpretation. The image of La 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.

Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s in Mexico

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#181889

Some staining and discoloration to surface and pigments. Small tear and abrasions to the papier-mache body and base. Jewelry was added by previous owner. Overall great condition. Not signed.