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Lot Essay
It is not known whether Gerardo Murillo, Dr. Atl, was in his youth a disciple of Jos Mara Velasco, the great master of landscapes. Nevertheless, Atl's work constitutes the subsequent step in the history of Mexican landscape art, as he created landscapes embellished with the discoveries of the European vanguards. The study of the natural sciences, especially geology and volcanology, influenced both Velasco and Atl. The great telluric passion of Dr. Atl was the volcano Popocatepetil found in the valley of Mexico City. However, he still studied the Eina and Stromboli volcanoes and affirmed that in his dreams he had climbed Fujiyama. In 1943, the artist was able to attend the birth of the Paricutn volcano whose evolution he chronicled in detail in over 300 drawings realized in situ.
The Paricutn, frente de lava en movimiento is one of an extensive group of works painted after this experience. In a manner characteristic of the artist, trees and shrubs (here scorched ones) are located in the foreground as a proportional reference. The big crest of fiery material that flows out of the crater of the volcano is not ash but sand, according to the observations of Dr. Atl. Moreover, the Paricutn powerfully hurled large sized stones, like those represented here as well as an abundant amount of lava that covered the surrounding region.
This painting of unusual proportions for the work of Atl, is part of a group of monumental works that he painted on easel in the style of a mural. Other paintings from this group include a work painted for the Hotel del Congreso in Mexico City (2.40 x 4 m), and El Paricutn, painted for the politician Lamberto Hernandez (1.80 x 3.50). El Paricutn, frente de lava en movimiento, was created for the restaurant "Prendes", on 10th of September Street in downtown Mexico City. For many decades, "Prendes" was the meeting spot for politicians and artists and its walls were adorned with portraits of their most famous regulars, made to look like murals.
Dr. Atl was an exceptional gourmet and chef. He collected recipes (owning more than two thousand) as well as cookbooks. When he lived as a child in an ex-convent (Merced), he liked to throw large banquets for the government officials and artists who taught there. In the 1940's, Atl was a constant patron of "Prendes". From 1946-1974, he supported the restaurant "le tout Mexique" where he came into contact with celebrities like Dolores del Ro, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, presidential candidates and Dr. Miguel Aleman. The writer Salvador Novo intimates that in those years at "Prendes" one could converse with Dr. Atl, the singer Fanny Anitua, the bullfighter Cagancho and the ex-president of Mexico's family, Emilio Portes Cil all in a single day.
We are grateful to Sr. Jaime Moreno Villareal for his assisstance in cataloging the present lot.
This painting is part of the National Heritage of Mexico and cannot be removed from that country. Accordingly, it is offered for sale in New York from the catalogue and will not be available in New York. Delivery of the painting will be made in Mexico in compliance with local requirements. Prospective buyers may contact Christie's Representative in Mexico for an appointment to view the work.
The Paricutn, frente de lava en movimiento is one of an extensive group of works painted after this experience. In a manner characteristic of the artist, trees and shrubs (here scorched ones) are located in the foreground as a proportional reference. The big crest of fiery material that flows out of the crater of the volcano is not ash but sand, according to the observations of Dr. Atl. Moreover, the Paricutn powerfully hurled large sized stones, like those represented here as well as an abundant amount of lava that covered the surrounding region.
This painting of unusual proportions for the work of Atl, is part of a group of monumental works that he painted on easel in the style of a mural. Other paintings from this group include a work painted for the Hotel del Congreso in Mexico City (2.40 x 4 m), and El Paricutn, painted for the politician Lamberto Hernandez (1.80 x 3.50). El Paricutn, frente de lava en movimiento, was created for the restaurant "Prendes", on 10th of September Street in downtown Mexico City. For many decades, "Prendes" was the meeting spot for politicians and artists and its walls were adorned with portraits of their most famous regulars, made to look like murals.
Dr. Atl was an exceptional gourmet and chef. He collected recipes (owning more than two thousand) as well as cookbooks. When he lived as a child in an ex-convent (Merced), he liked to throw large banquets for the government officials and artists who taught there. In the 1940's, Atl was a constant patron of "Prendes". From 1946-1974, he supported the restaurant "le tout Mexique" where he came into contact with celebrities like Dolores del Ro, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, presidential candidates and Dr. Miguel Aleman. The writer Salvador Novo intimates that in those years at "Prendes" one could converse with Dr. Atl, the singer Fanny Anitua, the bullfighter Cagancho and the ex-president of Mexico's family, Emilio Portes Cil all in a single day.
We are grateful to Sr. Jaime Moreno Villareal for his assisstance in cataloging the present lot.
This painting is part of the National Heritage of Mexico and cannot be removed from that country. Accordingly, it is offered for sale in New York from the catalogue and will not be available in New York. Delivery of the painting will be made in Mexico in compliance with local requirements. Prospective buyers may contact Christie's Representative in Mexico for an appointment to view the work.