Black Maternity
Lithograph, 1959, edition 50. 17 x 12 1/4 in. Signed and numbered in pencil. This is a fine impression of this rare early work. The margins are full and the condition is excellent. This powerful print shows the influence of the Mexican printmakers, most notably David Alfaro Siqueiros. She began working at the Taller de Gráfica Popular in in Mexico in 1946 and was active there until 1966. She married Francisco Mora and became a Mexican citizen. She was friendly with Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. As quoted in a May, 2006 New York Times review of her work, " She also embraced more cheerful subject matter, producing portraits of black women and children and, later, the Hispanic and Indian populations at her home in Cuernvaca. Among the best of them is 'Black Maternity,' a tender and loving lithograph from 1959. It shows a young black woman holding her newborn child to her chest, their cheeks touching. There is no more anger here, just joy and love." This impression has been exhibited at the Brenau University Galleries in 2007 and at the North Carolina Central University Art Museum in 2001. Ex-collection: Reverend Douglas Moore and Dr. Doris Hughes-Moore.
SOLD

Children reading (Literacy), Ninas Leyendos
Lithograph, 1950, edition 30. 11 7/8 x 16 3/8 in. Initialed on the stone, lower left. Signed, dated and numbered in pencil. This is a fine impression with full margins. The condition is excellent. This beautiful print shows the influence of the Mexican printmakers of the time including Siquieros. Catlett began working at the Taller de Gráfica Popular in Mexico in 1946 and was active there until 1966. She married Francisco Mora (after divorcing Charles W. White) and became a Mexican citizen. She was friendly with Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. As seen here, Catlett embraced thoughtful and beautifully drawn subjects, producing portraits of black women and children as well as the Hispanic and Indian populations at her Mexican home. Previously, Catlett studied at Howard University and one of her teachers was Lois M. Jones. She later enrolled in the graduate program of the University of Iowa and was attracted to the work of Grant Wood who taught there and she studied drawing and painting with him. "Children Reading" is an uncommon print from a relatively small edition.
SOLD