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Xavier Gonzalez (1898-1993) Refranes, 1982 Oil on Xavier Gonzalez (1898-1993)

Currency:USD Category:Art Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Xavier Gonzalez (1898-1993) Refranes, 1982 Oil on Xavier Gonzalez (1898-1993)
<b>Xavier Gonzalez (1898-1993)</B></I><BR>Refranes, 1982<BR>Oil on linen<BR>35 x 50in.<BR>Signed lower left of center: <I>X.G.</B></I><BR>Signed and titled verso: <I>Xavier Gonzalez & Ethel Edwards 35 x 50</B></I><BR><BR>Gonzalez' art changed with the times. From his early days as an Impressionist (1920s), to his days as a Regionalist (1930s), to his days as a Surrealist (1940s), to his days an an Abstract Expressionist (1950s) his art evolved. As his life was nearing an end, Gonzalez (as is often the case with artists) revisited prior themes and styles. <BR><BR>This canvas revisits both Gonzalez' roots as a Regionalist and Surrealist. The figure in the upper left, kneeling and holding up an outstretched palm surely represents the incident in San Antonio where his WPA mural was destroyed because of the supposed inclusion of Communist worker symbols of the skyward palm and clenched fist. The Spanish-style house at the right would seem to represent Gonzalez' roots from Almeria, Spain, or his boyhood days in Mexico. The candle burning brightly in the center has little time left. Even so, the flame is in danger of being extinguished somewhat prematurely by the black hooded figure ringing the bell, waving the censure of incense, and knocking over the glass of water. To the left is another glass of water. It asks the question, "Is the glass half fullor half empty?" Gonzalez died of leukemia in 1993 at the age of 95, and otherwise might have lived several years longer.<BR><BR>The title <I>Refranes</B></I> is a spanish word very similar to the English word refrain. This play on words is appropriate because Gonzalez lived in both English and Spanish cultures, and either word is an appropriate title for the piece.1 Items <BR><BR><B>Condition Report:</B> Excellent condition with some minor surface scratches