By Carter B. Horsley

This Latin American Art auctions at Christie's New York November 15 and 16 are highlighted by many superb paintings by Gunther Gerzso, Rufino Tamayo, Wilfredo Lam, Alfredo Ramos Martinez, Matta and Fernando Botero, excellent works by Leonora Carrington and Armando Reverón  and a great sculpture by Pablo Atchugarry.

Lot 15 is a complex and fine composition by Gunther Gerzso (1915-2000).  An oil on masonite, it measures 30 1/8 by 21 1/2 inches and was executed in 1955.  It was once in the collection of Jacques and Natasha Gelman in Mexico City and has been widely exhibited and published.  

Abby McEwen, assistant professor at the University of Maryland, College Park, proided the following commentary in the catalogue:

"One of Gerzso's classic early works, Ciudaldela powerfully distills the literal architectural and cultural references of the landscape within a complex visual and spatial constellation.  The clustering of interlocking and overlapping geometries suggests on the one hand a metaphorial excavation of Mexicos's primitive past and on the other a means of containing and ordering the vastness of its land.  The underlying architctonic structure, built through a Cubist faceting of space and Constructivist geometries, further evokes an enigmatic sense of depth and recession through a dynamic push-pull effect across the canvas surface.  Contrasts of light and shadow, arranged in layered strata that penetrate deep beyond the picture plane dramtically channel the colors, textures and spaces of the local landscape from the warm, earthen desert tones to the vibrant blue-greens of the tropical highland forests."

The lot has an estimate of $200,000 to $300,000.  It sold for $362,500, which includes the buyer's premium as do all results mentioned in this article.

The auction was quite successful selling 67 percent of 368 offered lots for $19,991,125 and setting world auction records for 23 artists.

Lot 12, "El nacimento de los pajaros," by Gunther Gerzo, oil on canvas, 12 1/8 by 16 inches, 1944

A fine early work by Gerzo, Lot 12, "El nacimiento de los pajaros," is an oil on canvas that measures 12 1/8 by 16 inches and was painted in 1944.  The catalogue entry notes that that year the artist met the Frenchpoet Benjamin Peret and his wife Remedios Varo, the artist and was welcomed into Mexico's Surrealist group.  His work would later make him a pioneer of abstraction in Mexico but this is a gorgeous Surrealist work.  It has a modest estimate of $80,000 to $120,000.  It sold for $170,500.

Lot 293,  "Lugar furtivo," by Gerzso, oil on masonite, 28 3/4 by 23 3/4 inches, 1996, left; Lot 292, "Espacio y tiempo," by Gerzso, oil on masonite, 23 5/8 by 36 1/4 inches, 1996, right

Lot 293,  "Lugar furtivo," by Gerzso is a good oil on masonite that measures 28 3/4 by 23 3/4 inches and was painted in 1996.  It has an estimate of $60,000 to $80,000. It sold for $72,100.  Also painted the same year is Lot 292, "Espacio y tiempo," an oil on masonite that measures 23 5/8 by 36 1/4 inches.  It has an estimate of $70,000 to $90,000. It sold for $76,900.

Lot 285, "Azul-verde-rojo," by Gunther Gerzso, oil on masonite, 8 3/4 by 20 1/8 inches, 1978, top; Lot 284, "Naranja-verde-azul," by Gerzso, oil on masonite, 12 by 23 3/4 inches, 1978, bottom

Lot 285, "Azul-verde-rojo," by Gunther Gerzso, is an oil on masonite that measures 8 3/4 by 20 1/8 inches and was painted in 1978.  It has an estimate of $50,000 to $70,000.  It failed to sell.


Lot 284, "Naranja-verde-azul," by Gerzso is an oil on masonite that measures 12 by 23 3/4 inches and was painted in 1978.  It has an estimate of $60,000 to $80,000.  It failed to sell.

Lot 62, "Blue Streets," by Antonio Bandeira, oil on canvas, 26 by 22 inches, 1955

Lot 62 is a beautiful abstraction that is reminiscent of Mark Tobey by Antonio Bandeira (1922-1967).  Entitled "Blue Streets," it is an oil on canvas that measures 26 by 22 inches and was painted in 1955.  It has an estimate of $50,000 to $70,000.  It sold for $482,500, a world auction record for the artist.

Lot 256, untitled, by Claudio Girola, tempera, ink, colored pencil and graphite laid down on cardboard, 25 3/4 by 19 1/8 inches, 1959

Lot 256 by Claudio Girola (1923-1994) is a lovely untitled tempera, ink, colored pencil and graphite laid down on cardboard that measures 25 3/4 by 19 1/8 inches.  It was executed in 1959 and it and another similar size work done in the same year by the artist have a combined estimate of $10,000 to$15,000.  It sold for $16,250.

Lot 198, "Desnudo," by Juan Soriano, oil on canvas, 23 1/4 by 48 3/4 inches

Lot 198 is a very strong and beautiful oil on canvas, entitled "Desnudo,'" by Juan  Soriano (1920-2006).  It measures 23 1/4 by 48 3/4 inches and was painted in 1960.  It has an estimate of $15,000 to $20,000.  It sold for $11,875.

Lot 345, "Farm," by Daniel Senise, synthetic enamel and wooden objects on canvas, 55 by 92 3/4 inches, 1998

Lot 345 is a large and very impressive work by Daniel Senise (b. 1955) entitled "Farm."  It is synthetic enamel and wooden objects on canvas and measures 55 by 92 3/4 inches.  It was created in 1998.  It has an estimate of $15,000 to $20,000.  It sold for $22,500.

Lot 238, "Edge," by Marcelo Bonevardi, painted wood assemblage, 24 by 15 1/4 by 1 1/2 inches, 1970

Lot 238 is a very striking painted wood assemblage by Marcelo Bonevardi (1929-1994).  It measures 24 by 15 1/4 by 1 1/2 inhces and was created in 1970.  It has a estimate of $10,000 to $15,000.  It failed to sell.

Lot 27, "A point," by Wilfredo Lam, oil on canvas, 54 7/8 by 45 inches, 1950, left; Lot 23, "Canaima," by Agustin Cardenas, Macassar ebony, 80 inches high, 1982, right

Lot 27, "A Point," is a very strong and fine work by Wilfredo Lam that is notable for its vibrant blue color. An oil on canvas that measures 54 3/4 by 44 7/8 inches, it was executed in 1950. When it was offered November 16, 2004 at Sotheby's, it had an estimate of $175,000 to $225,000 and sold for $321,600.  At this auction, it has an estimate of $400,000 to $600,000 and sold for $506,500.

Lot 23 is an excellent Macassar ebony sculpture by Agustin Cardenas (1927-2001).  It was created in 1982 and is 80 inches high.  It has an estimate of $70,000 to $100,000.  It sold for $134,500.

Lot 37, "Untitled," by Wilfredo Lam, oil on canvas, 19 7/8 by 27 1/2 inches, 1973

Lot 37 is a good, untitled work by Lam that was painted in 1973.  An oil on canvas, it measures 19 7/8 by 27 1/2 inches.  It has an estimate of $70,000 to $90,000.  It sold for $86,500.

Lot 22, "Atlante," by Rufino Tamayo, steel with painted concrete finish, 85 1/2 inches high, 1990

Lot 22 is a fine sculpture by Rufino Tamayo (1899-1991) entitled "Atlante."  It is steel with a painted concrete finish.  It has an estimate of $120,000 to $180,000.  It was created in 1990.  It sold for $230,500.

Lot 19, "Las Indias," by Armando Reveron, charcoal and pastel on cardboard, 21 1/4 inches square, circa 1947

Lot 19 is a lovely and colorful charcoal amd pastel on cardboard by Amando Reveron (1889-1954).  It isentitled "Las Indias" and is 21 1/4 inches square and was created circa 1947.  It has an estimate of $80,000 to $120,000.  It sold for $92,500.

Lot 277, "Untitled," by Kayuza Sakai, oil on canvas, 43 3/8 by 39 1/2 inches, 1958, left' Lot 276, "Untitled," by Mario Pucciarelli, oil on canvas, with metal mesh collage, 39 1/4 by 31 1/4 inches, right

Lot 277 is a strong abstract untitled oil on canvas by Kayuza Sakai (1927-2001) that measures 43 3/8 by 39 1/2 inches and was painted in 1958.  It has an estimate of $15,000 to $20,000.  It sold for $15,000.

Lot 276 is an untitlted oil on canvas with metal mesh collage by Mario Pucciarelli (b. 1928) that measures 39 1/4 by 31 1/4 inches.  It has an estimate of $8,000 to $12,000. It sold for $13,750.

Lot 137, "Sandia," by Ana Mercedes Hoyos, iron plate, 46 by 119 1/2 by 38 inches, 2001, left; Lot 46, "Confrontation and Harmony," by Pablo Atchugarry, pink marble, 67 inches high, 1995, right

Lot 137 is a very impressive iron plate sculpture by Ana Mercedes Hoyos (b. 1942).  It is entitled "Sandia" and measures 46 by 119 1/2 by 38 inches and was created in 2001.  It has an estimate of $25,000 to $30,000.  It sold for $$32,500.

Lot 48 is an exquisite pink marble sculpture by Pablo Atchugarry (b. 1954) that is entitled "Confrontation and Harmony."  It is 67 inches high and has an estimate of $120,000 to $180,000.  It sold for $182,500.

Lot 235, "Untitled," by Joaquin Torres-Garcia, ink and watercolor on paper, 5 1/8 by 6 /7/8 inches, 1933

One of the loveliest works in the auction is Lot 235, an untitled ink and watercolor on paper by Joaquin Torres-Garcia (1874-1949).  It measures 5 1/8 by 6 7/8 inches and was painted in 1933.  It has an estimate of $15,000 to $20,000.  It sold for $15,000.

Lot 59, "Dancers," by Fernando Botero, bronze, 23 inches high, 6/6

The auction has numerous works by Fernando Botero (b. 1932).  

Lot 53 is a 138-inch high bronze of a couple dancing by Botero that was executed in 2007 and is one of an edition of 3.  It has an estimate of $1,500,000 to $2,000,000.  It sold for $1,762,500, a world auction record for a sculpture by the artist.

Lot 59, "Dancers," is a charming bronze bas-relief by Botero that is 23 inches high and is number 6/6.  it has an esimtate of $200,000 to $250,000.  It failed to sell.

Lot 31, "Dancing Couple," by Fernando Botero, oil on canvas, 59 by 42 3/8 inches, 1982

Lot 31 is a strong painting by Fernando Botero that is entitled "Dancing Couple."  An oil on canvas, it measures 59 by 42 3/8 inches and was painted in 1982.  It has an estimate of $700,000 to $1,000,000.  It sold for $986,500.

Lot 54, "Unicyclist," by Fernando Botero, watercolor and ink on canvas, 50 1/2 by 39 1/2 inches, 2008

Lot 54 is a delightful and very large watercolor and ink on canvas by Fernando Botero entitled "Unicyclist."  It measures 50 1/2 by 39 1/2 inches and was executed in 2008.  It has an estimate of $200,000 to $250,000.  It sold for $206,500.

Lot 9, "The Oldest Couple in Town," by Alfredo Ramos Martinez, tempera and conte crayon on board, 47 1/2 by 37 inches, circa 1930s

Lot 9 is a very fine and classic work by Alfredo Ramos Martinez.  Entitled "The Oldest Couple in Town," it is a tempera and  conte crayon on board that measures 47 1/2 by 37 inches.  It was painted circa1930s.  It has an estiate of $500,000 to $700,000.  It failed to sell.

Lot 13, "Mujer y luna," by Rufino Tamayo, oil and sand on masonite, 23 1/2 by 11 3/8 inches, 1953

Lot 12 is a very beautiful oil and sand on masonite by Rufino Tamayo (1899-1991) entitled "Mujer y luna."  It measures 23 1/2 by 11 3/8 inches and was painted in 1953.  It has an estimate of $200,000 to $300,000.  It sold for $290,500.

Lot 44, "Hombre con un gran sombrero," by Rufino Tamayo, oil and sand on canvas, 32 3/4 by 39 3/8 inches, 1967

Lot 44 is a fine oil and sand on canvas by Rufino Tamayo (1899-1991) that is entitled "Hombre con un gran sombrero."  It measures 32 3/4 by 39 3/8 inches and was painted in 1967.  It has an estimate of $400,000 to $600,000.  It was passed at $300,000.

Lot 125, "Quietly Happy," by Matta, oil on canvas, 26 1/4 by 18 3/4 inches 1983

Lot 125 is a strong oil on canvas by Matta (1911-2002) that is titled "Quietly Happy."  It measures 26 1/4 by 18 3/4 inches and was painted in 1983.  It has an estimate of $30,000 to $40,000.  It failed to sell.

Lot 38, "Morning on Earth," by Matta, oil on canvas, 46 1/4 by 68 1/8 inches, 1953

Lot 38 is an impressive work by Matta entitled "Morning on Earth."  An oil on canvas, it measures 46 1/4 bhy 68 1/8 inches and was painted in 1953.  It has an estimate of $200,000 to $300,000.  It sold for $266,500.

Lot 25, "Untitled," by Matta, oil on canvas, 30 7/8 by 25 inches, 1949

Lot 25 is an dramatic and interesting untitled oil on canvas by Matta that was painted in 1949.  It measures 30 7/8 by 25 inches.  It has an estimate of $200,000 to $250,000.  It was passed at $190,000.

Lot 40, "Vaca roja," by Francisco Toledo, oil and sand on canvas, 131 3/4 by 79 1/4 inches, 1975

Lot 40 is a very large oil and sand on canvas by Francisco Toledo (b. 1940) that is entitled "Vaca roja."  It measures 131 3/4 by 79 1/4 inches and was painted in 1975.  It has an estimate of $500,000 to $700,000.  It sold for $902,500, a world auction record for the artist.

Lot 16, "Janlin de frijoles," by Francisco Toledo, graphite and oil on masonite, 16 by 20 inches, 2002

Lot 16 is a very strong and impressive graphite and oil on masonite of insects by Francisco Toledo.  It was created in 2002 and measures 16 by 2002.  It has an estimate of $70,000 to $90,000.  It sold for $158,500.

Lot 349, "Gente de por aca," by Ignacio Iturria, oil on canvas, 51 1/8 by 63 3/4 inches, 1997

Ignacio Iturria (b. 1949) likes to paint child-like storyboards that often do not have stories but are nonetheless charming.  Lot 349 is a large and fine oil on canvas by him that measures 51 1/8 by 63 3/4 inches.  It is entitled  "Gente de por aca" and was painted in 1997.  It has a modest estimate of $15,000 to $20,000.  It sold for $27,500.

Lot 288, "Personajes Ilevando naturaleza muerta," by Leonora Carrington, gouache on cardboard, 13 by 21 3/4 inches, circa 1957

Lot 288 is a delightful and fine gouache on cardboard by Leonora Carrington (1917-2011).  Entitled "Personajes Ilevando naturaleza muerta," it measures 13 by 21 3/4 inches and was painted circa 1957.  It has a modest estimate of $25,000 to $30,000.  It sold for $52,500.