VICTOR MANUEL (1897-1969) & JOSÉ BENCOMO MENA (1890-1962) Group of two paintings Footnotes: VICTOR MANUEL (1897-1969) Javen Modelo signed and dated 'M. Garcia 1916' (lower right) oil on canvas 21 7/8 x 117 1/16 in (55.5 x 43.3 cm) Painted in 1916 Provenance Private collection, Havana. Acquired from the above by the present owner. Literature R. Vázquez Díaz, Victor Manuel, Madrid, 2010, p. 39 (illustrated). JOSÉ BENCOMO MENA (1890-1962) Javen Modelo signed and dated 'J. Mena 1916' (lower left) oil on canvas 26 11/16 x 18 5/8 in (67.8 x 47.3 cm) Painted in 1916 Provenance Private collection, Havana. Acquired from the above by the present owner. Painted together in 1916, these two works illuminate the artistic relationship between Victor Manuel and José Bencomo Mena during their studies at the San Alejandro Art School in Havana under the guidance of Leopoldo Romanach. Each painting depicts the same model in nearly identical poses, suggesting they were executed side by side. Presented together, the works offer a rare glimpse into the artists' formative years and invite comparison of their emerging sensibilities. Notably, one painting bears an early signature by Victor Manuel, who at the time was still working under his given name, Manuel García-also known by the nickname Manolo García. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing