Attributed to Rufino Tamayo (1899-1991) - Sandías, 1958

Attributed to Rufino Tamayo (1899-1991) | Mexican Sandías, 1958 Oil/Sand on Canvas Inscription: Signed and dated ‘TAMAYO 0-58’ (upper right); inscribed ‘Sandias oleo 1958’ (on the reverse of the canvas). Dimensions: Artwork: 38 × 46 cm | 15 × 18.1 in Provenance: Reportedly acquired in Rome in the late 1950s by the grandfather of the present owner; Thence by descent within the family (Rome, Italy, and later Germany); Private Collection, Germany. Condition: Overall good condition. Please contact us to request a detailed Condition Report.Shipping: Aurora & Athena coordinates professional, insured shipping for every purchase through vetted logistics partners: packing, transport, insurance and the export paperwork are arranged on the buyer's behalf and charged at the provider's cost. Buyers are equally welcome to collect in Barcelona or to appoint a carrier of their own. Lots are released once the total purchase price has been received. For shipments outside the EU an export licence may be required and Spanish export duties may apply to certain higher-value works; these are the buyer's responsibility. No export tax applies within the EU. Full shipping and export information is available on request.Conditions of Sale: All lots are sold as is, in the condition described. The condition summary is given as a courtesy; a full condition report is available on request before the sale. Attributions and the five-year authenticity guarantee are governed by Section 4 (Returns and Refunds) of our Terms and Conditions. All enquiries must be made before bidding; no further information can be provided after the sale. By placing a bid you confirm that you have read and accept our Terms and Conditions in full, as set out in the terms of this sale.-- Attributed to Rufino Tamayo. This striking composition featuring the iconic motif of watermelons—a subject synonymous with Rufino Tamayo’s exploration of Mexican identity—is a profound study in texture and monochromatic intensity. Executed in 1958, the work utilizes a deeply resonant palette of reds, characteristic of the artist’s mature period, to transform a simple still life into a meditative, almost architectural space. The triangular, geometric precision of the fruit contrasts with the tactile, weathered surface of the background, creating a dialogue between form and atmosphere. Tamayo’s ability to imbue everyday objects with universal, symbolic weight is fully realized here. The deliberate treatment of light and shadow, combined with the rich, impasto application of paint, suggests an ancient, elemental quality that transcends the limitations of traditional still life. This composition stands as a compelling testament to the artist’s enduring fascination with the interplay of color, indigenous heritage, and modern abstraction.

Estimate:£1,684.09

View all items fromAurora & AthenaorArts & Graphics