This September, collectors have a rare opportunity to acquire an early work by Diego Rivera, one of Mexico’s most celebrated artists. Dallas Auction Gallery is thrilled to announce its upcoming sale, "Great Estates: Furniture & Design from the 18th -19th Century," taking place on September 24th at 6 pm CST. This exclusive event will feature a curated selection of masterpieces, including Rivera’s La Casona De Vizcaya.
Created in 1907, La Casona De Vizcaya represents Rivera’s first artistic venture in Spain, marking a crucial period in his transition to a more mature phase of his career. The oil on canvas, measuring 35.5 x 43.5 inches, reflects Rivera’s early influences and his exploration of European art styles. Signed and dated by the artist, this painting captures an architectural study reflective of Rivera's early stylistic development.
Diego Rivera: A Trailblazer in Modern Mexican Art
Diego Rivera (1886-1957) was a transformative figure in the world of art, renowned for his large-scale murals that brought Mexican history and culture to the forefront of global art. Born in Guanajuato, Mexico, Rivera’s artistic journey began at a young age. Thanks to a scholarship, he traveled to Europe in 1907, where he immersed himself in revolutionary art movements such as Cubism, Fauvism, and Futurism, forming influential relationships with important artists such as Pablo Picasso and Amedeo Modigliani.
Returning to Mexico, Rivera became a key figure in the country’s cultural renaissance. His murals depicted Mexico’s rich and tumultuous history from pre-Columbian times through the revolution. These works were not only artistic achievements but also political statements that championed the Mexican Revolution and celebrated the nation's indigenous heritage.
Rivera’s artistic life was intertwined with his personal life, notably his tumultuous relationship with fellow artist Frida Kahlo. Their marriage, marked by passionate love and numerous betrayals, was a subject of public fascination. Despite their complex relationship, Rivera and Kahlo both played pivotal roles in bringing Mexican art to international acclaim in the 20th century.
La Casona De Vizcaya: A Historical Masterpiece
La Casona De Vizcaya has been a part of a private collection since it was purchased from Christie's New York in May 1987, and it is accompanied by the original Christie's catalog. The painting has an impressive exhibition history, having been displayed at many prestigious institutions, including the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes in Mexico City and major U.S. museums such as the Cleveland Museum of Modern Art, the Los Angeles Museum of Fine Arts, the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, and the Museo de Arte Moderno in Mexico. Notably, it was featured in the 1951 retrospective "Diego Rivera: 50 Años de su Labor Artística" and the 1978 homage marking the 20th anniversary of Rivera's death. Additionally, the painting is highlighted as the front piece in Ramón Fabela’s celebrated book on Rivera’s works.
As it comes to auction, La Casona De Vizcaya is estimated to fetch between $1,500,000 and $2,000,000. This sale represents a significant opportunity to acquire a work by one of the 20th century’s most influential artists. The auction will be held at Dallas Auction Gallery on September 24th at 6 pm CST. Bidding will be available both online and live. Interested buyers are encouraged to register for bidding.
