Lot 588
Jose-Maria Cundin (Spanish/Louisiana, b. 1938), "The Malevolent Order of the Golden Eel", 1979, oil on canvas, signed and dated "79" lower right, signed, dated "1978" and inscribed "Escena para Maria la Cochinita, Houston, TX" en verso, 60 in. x 50 in., framed with artist and title plaque. Ill.: Biguenet, John, ed. New Orleans Review. Vol. 9, No. 1, Spring/Summer 1982, p. 48. Note: Born in Bilboa in the heart of Spains Basque country in 1938, Cundin says he became a citizen of the world, but never lost the spirit and tragic romanticism of his homeland. He writes that being Basque means "I see and face life as a mysterious and ancient existential commitment." It is perhaps these same mysterious and romantic qualities evident in his work that has made Cundins paintings resonate so powerfully in his adopted home of Louisiana. Cundin first came to the United States in 1958 and established himself in New Orleans in 1964. He has since lived in Folsom, LA for many years. Over the course of his career, the artist has been featured in more than 40 solo shows and participated in numerous collective exhibitions. His works have been featured in countless books, magazines and literary journals, and his paintings and sculptures are included in the permanent collections of public institutions and private collections worldwide. Cundins subject matter and style have transitioned regularly throughout his long career, with each new development evidencing the artists mastery of color and light. His early works are figurative, representational and focused on portraiture. Later, the artist shifted into his plastic art and abstract series, often revisiting and experimenting with his earlier concepts. Calling to mind Diego Velázquezs Las Meninas, the early painting offered here exemplifies Cundins ability to imbue his works with an enigmatic narrative that both invites and defies interpretation. The opposing colors and dramatic lighting give the scene a foreboding quality that contrasts with the almost whimsical and humorous characters inhabiting the space. The figures are classic Cundin fantastical eccentrics, who stand out for their individuality. Regarding his inspiration for this monumental and significant canvas, Cundin writes of The Malevolent Order of the Golden Eel: The painting is indeed a beautiful and important piece in my curriculum. The writing on the back "Escena para Maria La Cochina" (Scene for Filthy Mary) makes reference to the series in which "The Malevolent Order of the Golden Eel" belongs. Filthy Mary was a famous, and by the way, excellent restaurant in Bilbao, Spain (my home town). In that establishment, I had many memorable experiences and encounters and now and then succumbed to the temptation of evoking some of its scenes and happenings. The Malevolent Order of the Golden Eel is actually the "The Benevolent Order of the Golden Eel" ( La Benevolente Orden de la Angula de Oro). It was instituted by my late friend, Jose Maria Martin de Retana, author and editor of La Gran Enciclopedia Vasca, to honor annually the most prominent citizen of Bilbao. The honoree could be a person from any realm of life. Although I was never invested with this esteemed tribute, I took license to review and perpetuate in images and exaggerations the Gargantuan events that took place in that famous locale. Neal Auction Company expresses its sincere appreciation to the artist, Jose-Maria Cundin, for his assistance. Ref.: Biguenet, John, ed. New Orleans Review. Vol. 9, No.1, Spring/Summer 1982, p. 48; "Folsom Blues and Yellows: Portraits, Self-Portraits and Anti-Portraits by Jose-Maria Cundin." Gambit. Jan. 12, 2009. www.bestofneworleans.com. Accessed January 6, 2016; The Southern Review. Summer 2014. www.thesouthernreview.org. Accessed January 6, 2016.
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| $1,000 | $2,999 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $9,999 | $250 |
| $10,000 | $49,999 | $500 |
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| $2,000,000 | $2,999,999 | $15,000 |
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