拍品專文
When Jesús Guerrero Galván painted 'Maternidad' (1939), he and Debaki Garro had been married one year. 'Maternidad', created during his most coveted period (1935-1941), celebrates the birth of their first child.
Although 'Maternidad' is formally influenced by Picasso's classic portraits (1921-1923) of heavy set women with mannish hands and feet and gentle faces, the emotional content of the painting derives from Mantegna's portraits of madonnas.
A nimbus above her head, the Virgin looks sad and reflective. She knows that once her Child is grown, She will no longer be able to protect Him. Vulnerable, He will suffer.
In 'Maternidad', Guerrero Galván poses the same dilemma. Conflict appears in the Virgin's face as she looks at the young bird she holds prisoner. To let go could mean he could die; never return; or freedom. What will she choose?
Salomon Grimberg
Dallas, 21 March, 1996
Although 'Maternidad' is formally influenced by Picasso's classic portraits (1921-1923) of heavy set women with mannish hands and feet and gentle faces, the emotional content of the painting derives from Mantegna's portraits of madonnas.
A nimbus above her head, the Virgin looks sad and reflective. She knows that once her Child is grown, She will no longer be able to protect Him. Vulnerable, He will suffer.
In 'Maternidad', Guerrero Galván poses the same dilemma. Conflict appears in the Virgin's face as she looks at the young bird she holds prisoner. To let go could mean he could die; never return; or freedom. What will she choose?
Salomon Grimberg
Dallas, 21 March, 1996