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Xavier Martinez Family Photo Album, with Artwork.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:300.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 800.00 USD
Xavier Martinez Family Photo Album, with Artwork.
[MARTINEZ, XAVIER, 1869-1943; MARTINEZ, ELSIE WHITAKER, 1890-1984]. The album (12 1/4in x 14in) with approx. 67 original snapshot photographs, depicting Xavier ("Marty") and Elsie in the early days of parenthood with their daughter Micaela ("Kay"/"Kai") in Piedmont and Carmel. The album itself is contemporary, likely assembled by Kai, c. 1970s-1980s. Numerous images show the undeveloped Oakland/Piedmont Hills (where the family lived together in Marty's studio, 1907-1922), and several show the family at a Carmel cottage, and possibly other spots in Carmel. There are approx. 11 images featuring Marty with Elsie and/or Kai; some with Friends and family, with two that appear to show Harriet Dean (Elsie's friend/later partner) holding four-month-old Kai, and one snapshot showing Harriet with Elsie and Kai in 1919. Included is an unsigned portrait (7 3/8in x 4 1/2in ) of Elsie and Kai by photographer Bianca Conti (1881-1954); an unsigned portrait (9 3/8in x 8in) of Elsie, c. early 1900s, possibly by Conti; and an image of Kai with artist Peter Stackpole's son, Ralph, in Piedmont, 1919 (identified verso as being by a Life Magazine photographer).  Condition: The photos are overall good, and for the most part have not grievously fused to the sticky album pages. The large portrait of Elsie has edge tears/creases. Together with artwork: Artist: Xavier Martinez (1869-1943). Title Description: Five humorous/whimsical drawings related to parenthood: 1.) "1 year after" (Self-portrait pushing buggy with baby Kai painting, Elsie beside them). 2.) "Kay / Peli-can" (Kai and Elsie, who Marty called "Pelican" or "Pelly/Pellie"). 3.) "1918, Out for a Walk" (Self-portrait with Kai). 4.) Kai as a toddler. 5.) Kai in the Oakland Hills with the Bay beyond. Together with a watercolor figure that may be painted by Kai (or depicts her). Signature: "Out for a Walk" is signed with both monogram and stamp; toddler drawing signed with monogram; the others unsigned. Date Created: 1913-1918. Medium/Ground: Charcoal/Conte crayon, pastels, ink and watercolor on paper. Size: Ranging from approx. 8 1/2in x 7in to 10in x 12in. Condition: One with considerable tears/losses and tape repair; the 1918 image laid onto cardboard, with scratches/creases; toning and spotting. From the Family of Xavier Martinez (1869-1943), Elsie Whitaker Martinez (1890-1984), and Micaela Martinez DuCasse (1913-1989).