ELIZABETH CATLETT (AMERICAN-MEXICAN 1915-2012)

ELIZABETH CATLETT (AMERICAN-MEXICAN 1915-2012)

Nino Papalero,1947
lithograph
full sheet measuring 33 x 25.4 cm (13 x 10 in.)
signed lower right, inscribed with edition 40/31 lower left

LOT NOTES
The foremother by subsequent generations. Residing in the United States and Mexico, Catlett produced an unparalleled body of politically charged and compelling graphic and sculptural works. Catletts body of work was influenced from her grandmothers who told her stories of slavery, from her mother she head about the realities of life in the slums. These stories shaped her understanding of what life was like in the United States for black people, aware of the exploitation that black people experienced created the groundwork for her artistic vision. In 1942 Catlett moved to New York City, she became immersed in the milieu of the City’s leading African American artist community. Later Catlett worked as a promotion director and instructor of sculpture and sewing at the George Washing Carver People’s School. While working at the night school, Catlett became seemingly aware of the way her students’ lives were shaped by their social and economical circumstances. This deepened her awareness of the privileges she was afforded. Catlett, who was deeply moved by the young women, noted these women with the term, “cultural hunger”. Inspired by her students, Catlett was awarded with the Julius Rosenwald Fund Fellowship, to produce a series of work [prints, paintings and sculpture] on the subject of “The Negro Woman”. The series was completed in Mexico, after Catlett moved to Mexico City to establish a permanent residence. The series, “The Negro Woman” was completed in 1947, consisting of fifteen linocuts, creating a chronicle of oppression, resistance and survival of African American women. Around the same time period, Catlett created series and sculptures depicting mother-and-child themes. It is evident in Catlett’s body of work that she was interested in showing the social and economical struggles people of color endured.

CONDITION
Unframed, the work appears in good condition. The sheet is laid down. Minor toning and scattered tears to the perimeter.
framed dimensions: 53 x 43 cm (20 7/8 x 16 7/8 in.)

Kindly note, the auction is comprised of two sessions:
Session I: Russian and Asian Art, Antiques and Jewelry, lots 1-331
Session II: European, North and South American, and Ethnographic Art, Antiques, Jewelry, and Design, lots 500-827

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