Francisco Toledo (Mexican, b. 1940), original watercolor on paper, "Toledo" in pencil at lower left, ca. 1960 to 1980 CE. Francisco Toledo is a Mexican artist whose compositions blend the Modernist influences of Surrealism and Paul Klee along with Mexican mythology - as demonstrated in this watercolor with its playful fractal-like concentric circles and triangular motifs merge with abstract references to jaguars/cats, turtles, fish, a rabbit, and a female dancer wearing a feline transformation mask. In Toledo's own words, "What I do is a mixture of things, but the pre-Hispanic world has been a source of inspiration. There are certain solutions that are decorative that come from pre-Hispanic art and at the same time there is much primitive art that is refined or simple but also very modern." Size: 15.125" W x 11.125" H (38.4 cm x 28.3 cm)

Francisco Toledo was born on July 17, 1940 in Juchitan, Mexico. As a young man, he studied at the Taller Libre de Grabado in Mexico City, where he met the famous Oaxacan artist Rufino Tamayo. At the tender age of nineteen, he had his first exhibitions in Mexico City and Fort Worth, Texas. In 1960, Toledo moved to Paris where he developed his signature style and worked in Stanley William Hayter's studio. Five years later, Toledo returned to Mexico and began creating compositions that speak to his Zapotec heritage - living and working in his native Juchitan, Mexico where he remains today.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Ferdinand Anton collection, Germany; Ferdinand Anton is an archaeologist and scholar who specializes in Aztec civilization. He has curated exhibitions throughout Europe and has written numerous books on Pre-Columbian art. During the mid 20th century, he lived in Mexico where he met many Mexican Modernists, and he currently lives in Munich, Germany.

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#136593

Small losses to upper right and lower right corners as shown. Minor stains on verso. Otherwise very good. "Toledo" handwritten in pencil on lower left and probably added later. Please note: In the process of doing our due diligence with respect to this piece, we have received conflicting opinions. Some experts say that it is by the hand of Toledo, some disagree. We are selling it, as we believe the work to be authentic. As always, your satisfaction is guaranteed.