MONROVIA, Calif. — Discover the vibrant colors and rich cultural heritage of Latin America at the Latin American Art and Design sale at John Moran Auctioneers Tuesday, April 23. The catalog is now open for bidding at LiveAuctioneers.
Leading the highlights of fine art is Abstracted Figures, a 1952 oil on Masonite by Guatemalan and Mexican artist Carlos Merida (1891-1984). He grew up in a culturally rich environment, influenced by Guatemala’s indigenous Mayan heritage and vibrant artistic traditions. As one of the premiere Latin American artists of the 20th century, Merida was inspired and interested in almost anything artistic, ranging from painting to murals to printmaking, theater production, and interior design. The work is estimated at $7,000-$9,000.
In December 2023, Moran’s offered a work by the Mexican artist Diego Rivera, Men working the field outside a dwelling, which achieved a price realized of $41,275. Rivera (1886-1957) was a prominent painter whose large frescos helped establish the mural movement in Mexican and international art. This sale includes another Rivera work, El Niño Del Taco (Boy With Taco) dating to 1932, which is estimated at $6,000-8,000.
Representing Peruvian art will be works by Jose Sabogal Dieguez (1888-1956). He emerged as a key figure in Peruvian art after his artistic journey took him to Europe, where he was influenced by avant-garde movements. Returning to Peru, he championed the indigenist movement, celebrating the country’s indigenous culture. His bold use of color and his keen attention to his subjects captured the essence of Peruvian life and landscapes. Dieguez’s Cosco Paya-Cuna (Chisme) dates to 1926 and is estimated at $6,000-$8,000.
The sale’s top-estimated lot is by Mexican artist Gustavo Montoya (1905-2003), an undated oil on canvas titled Girl on a Chair. The lot is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the Wolfryd Collection, signed by Rick Wolfryd and Blanca Montoya. It carries an estimate of $8,000-$12,000.
