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Los Castillo E.Alvarado Arquitectura Mosaic with Montezuma Mexico, 1959

$7,500
£5,734.15
€6,604.58
CA$10,509.80
A$11,733.20
CHF 6,148.02
MX$143,625.92
NOK 78,079.94
SEK 73,619.47
DKK 49,290.67
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About the Item

An E. Alvarado 1959 mosaic wall panel commissioned at the Taxco showroom of Los Castillo Plateros depicting the 1467 reconstruction of the temple of Huitzilopochtii after its damage from an earthquake overseen by Montezuma. E. Alvarado’s work reflects a deep reverence for Mexico’s indigenous history, blending traditional iconography with the modernist aesthetic of the mid-20th century. This panel was created in 1959, during a period of renewed interest in Mexico’s pre-Hispanic roots and national identity, contributing to the reconstruction efforts that sought to honor and preserve historic architecture. The intricate mosaic construction, with its vivid hues and detailed craftsmanship, exemplifies Los Castillo’s mastery and dedication to cultural storytelling through art. The piece exudes historical gravity and artistic brilliance, making it a significant collectible for historians, art enthusiasts, or collectors of Mexican modernist art. It is a stunning testament to Mexico’s enduring legacy and artistic innovation. The mosaic is composed of hand shaped pieces of turquoise, amethyst, obsidian, sea green opal, tourmaline, lapis lazuli, limestone and other stones set into a thick plaster backing. The Alvarado mosaic studio was located on the second floor of the Los Castillo Plateros showroom in Taxco, Mexico. The original owners met with E. Alvarado at his workshop and chose this scene from the many offered. They returned to Boston and received a drawing and a small bag of various semi-precious stones that were samples of what the mosaic would be made from. A couple of weeks later they received a photographic update on the progress of the mosaic with the final artwork shipped to them a month after their meeting with Sr. Alvarado. The cost of the mosaic with its shipment in 1960 was twelve hundred dollars the equivalent of almost thirteen thousand dollars today. Below are excerpts from the final letter to the original owners informing them of the impending shipment to their home in Boston and reviewing the historical event illustrated by their mosaic. "The description of the "ARQUITECTURA" mosaic is: Fifty two years before Cortéz arrived in what is now México City there was an earth quake which partly destroyed the Main Temple of the Aztecs dedicated to Huitzilopochtli (God of War). The Emperor Montezuma, who is represented in the low right hand corner of the plaque had it reconstructed. The reconstruction required hundreds of men, but since this mosaic is an allegory, the artist, E. Alvarado, tries to carry the message by using a few men to sculpture the Idol, a man is cracking the stone, another man is carrying up the stairway of the Pyramid, another man is making a dugout to embark into one of the many channels and lagoons that existed in the Valley of México in the sixteenth century. The lake and channels are represented by the Sea Green Opal, the artist has emphasized this point, in view that the water transportation was the preferred way to travel. To wash this mosaic kindly use a hard bristle brush using any kind of detergent, scrub it entirely and then wash it until the plaque is free from detergent. This operation should be done once every 6 months. clean it ordinarily just brush it." The mosaic is in fine vintage condition as pictured. E. Alvarado was a talented mosaic artist associated with Los Castillo, a renowned Mexican workshop celebrated primarily for its silverwork and decorative arts. While detailed biographical information on E. Alvarado is limited, it’s known that Los Castillo collaborated with various skilled artisans, including mosaic artists, during the mid-20th century, often working on culturally significant projects that emphasized Mexican history, architecture, and indigenous motifs. Alvarado contributed to the workshop’s legacy by creating intricate mosaic panels that reflected Mexico’s rich cultural and historical themes, such as the reconstruction of ancient landmarks like the Main Pyramid in Mexico City. His work is characterized by vibrant colors, detailed iconography, and a clear reverence for traditional Mexican artistic motifs. The mosaic from 1959 exemplifies his craftsmanship and dedication to preserving Mexican heritage through art. While specific biographical details remain scarce, his association with Los Castillo and his work on this significant panel position him among the talented artisans shaping Mexico’s artistic revival in the mid-20th century. His contributions continue to be appreciated by collectors and historians for their craftsmanship and cultural significance.

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