Afro-Brazilian Flower Seller by Glauco Chaves

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Description

A lovely impressionist style painting by noted Brazilian artist, Glauco Chaves, commemorates the important Afro-Brazilian folk tradition of the "Baiana … Read more A lovely impressionist style painting by noted Brazilian artist, Glauco Chaves, commemorates the important Afro-Brazilian folk tradition of the "Baiana de Acarajé" of Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. Women (no men allowed) sell aracajé, a fried bean & spice snack, with its roots in the African slave history of the country. Sellers wear a distinctive dress consisting of Anáguas, the petticoat; Saia, the five-meter-long piece of cloth that is wrapped around the waist to form a billowing skirt; Camizo, the long cotton pants worn underneath the anáguas; A bodice of lace or with embroidery; Pano da costa, or pano-da-alaká, shawls which are seldom included now; and an abundance of jewelry. The use of this particular dress has now expanded to other market sellers such as the woman featured in this portrait.

The work is signed by the artist, G. Chaves, at the lower right. Both the frame and the canvas bear the mark of the Tintas Hering, a company founded in 1886 by painter Paulo Hering in Santa Catari; the business was well known for its early progressive policies regarding employee welfare and social responsibility. These canvas/frame trademarks suggest the painting was created between 1970 and 1982, when the company was closed.

Glauco Chaves, (Glauco Nativo Hartmann, 1921-1985+/-) was born in Petrópolis, a royal city located approx. 40 miles outside Rio de Janeiro. During the Imperial Period of the 19th century, the city became the hub of summer aristocratic life. To this day, it remains a popular location for summer retreats of national government elected officials and the well-heeled of Brazil.

From these roots, Chaves, established his art career documenting the everyday people of his beloved country. While little is known about his life, the official government art registries record his work being highlighted in a 1978 exhibition at the Copacabana Palace and his receipt of the Silver medal in 1968 at the Brazilian Artists' Association Salon.

The piece is framed with a medium toned hardwood frame and bevelled snow white mat. Ready to hang with wire and eyelets en verso.

Dimensions: overall frame, 18"w x 1.5"d x 22.25"h; image, 8.25"w x 12.5"h.

Conditon: excellent vintage condition; vibrant colors, no scratches or loss of paint. Slight corner separation of frame, light mark on mat neither of which detract from the loveliness of the art. See less