Artist Francisco Zuniga received his first lessons in sculpture in the workshop of his father, a religious sculptor in San Jose, Costa Rica. He became interested in pre-Hispanic work at an early age, and when in his twenties, he moved to Mexico City. He studied during the 1930s at La Esmeralda Art Institute under the tutelage of some of the most prominent artists of Mexico's rich artistic culture. He would later teach there for over three decades. Known mainly for his large sculptures of peasant women, he also produced many true-to-life paintings and lithographs of similar subjects.
During the course of his career, artist Francisco Zuniga's 35 public sculptures, along with his other works, garnered international awards. His body of work earned the Premio Nacional, Mexico's highest cultural award, in 1992. Francisco Zuniga's paintings and prints are found in museums world-wide. Buy international figural prints online or at auction.
Francisco Zuniga Mexican, 1912-1998 Mujer Con Canasto (Woman with Basket) (B. 48) lithograph in colors 1979; ed. PA IV/XII (an artist's proof outside of the edition of 125); hand-signed, dated, and numbered lower right, printed by Kyron, S.A. and with their blindstamp lower right, published by Brewster Editions, NY
Francisco Zuniga Mexican, b. Costa Rica, (1912 - 1998) Impression of Egypt Suite, plate 1,1982 lithograph Pencil signed and dated lower left. Edition 53/90. Includes book, Zuniga, Galeria de Arte Misrachi-Mexico. Biography from RoGallery: Internationally acclaimed sculptor and printmaker Francisco Zuñiga was born in Costa Rica. He studied drawing, stone sculpture, and engraving at the School of Fine Arts in San Jose. Later, in 1936, he studied stone carving at La Esmeralda in Mexico City. He was appointed to the faculty of La Esmeralda where he remained until his retirement in 1970. Zuniga's art reflects a love and respect for Central American people and traditions. In 1972, he created his first lithograph. As a complement to his emotionally powerful sculpture, Zuniga's prints articulate the sensitivity and sensuality of the human figure. He has been the recipient of numerous international prizes and awards. His work is exhibited frequently in prominent galleries throughout the world and may be found in the permanent collections of twenty-nine museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Los Angeles County Museum, the Mexican Museum in San Francisco, and the Phoenix Art Museum. In 1936, Francisco Zuniga left San Jose, Costa Rica, where he had studied drawing at the School of Fine Arts and worked as an assistant in his father's studio, a workshop which produced religious sculpture for the churches and convents in and around the city. His destination was Mexico City. It was from there that he would begin an illustrious career as a sculptor and draftsman. Zuñiga's exploration into the nuances of volume, in line and space, are demonstrated in this, the most complete exhibition of his work to be shown in more than a decade. Mexico City in 1936 was, even then, one of the major art centers of the Americas. As such it witnessed and participated in many of the frenzied and controversial art movements which reflected the political and intellectual climate of the first three decades of the twentieth century. Muralism, the graphic arts, the incorporation of in-ternational movements had produced an artistic climate, which would eventually attract to Mexico international artists and intellectuals such as Sergei Eisenstein, André Breton and Antonin Artaud. Then as now, Mexico City was a major world capital with the infrastructure necessary to exhibit and expose new aesthetic concepts. For all these reasons it was the most obvious destination of choice for Zuñiga. In Mexico he worked with the painter Manuel Rodríguez Lozano, and would become one of the founders of La Esmeralda, the National School of Painting and Sculpture, teaching there between 1938 and 1970. Zuniga also fulfilled commissions for numerous public monuments, but between 1960 and 1980, he began to work exclusively on his studio projects. At the time of his death in 1998, his work would be part of major museum collections internationally. Zuniga's signature sculptures, massive female figures sculpted in onyx or cast in bronze, emphasize an ongoing exploration of figurative representation in Western Art. In Juchitecas en Conversación (1985) a standing female figure with crossed arms faces two figures seated on a bench. The figure closest to her rests her hand on a water jug fully facing the first, while the third, body half turned toward the group, gestures toward them with her left arm. The elongated heads and necks are in direct contrast to the full, earthy bodies of all three. In posture and gesture these figures, with their monumental mass and volume, suggest a relationship of community and of union between women, a theme basic to Zuñiga. Other elements catch the eye: the water jug, the dress. The presence of these elements has often been a reason for categorizing Zuñiga's work as an example of regional representation, i.e. archetypes of indigenous women. Yet in focusing on the posture, gesture and composition in this work and others, Zuñiga is utilizing a juxtaposition of classical sculptural language with indigenous models. You might feel tempted to focus on the appearance of the model, but you should not overlook the stance, the composition, the regal allusion to the classical Western tradition. This issue becomes even more evident in the pastel and charcoal Dos Mujeres de Pie (1977). Two nudes stand slightly off center from each other and face to face. We see before us the full front and full back view of two women. Full-figured, even corpulent, they are full-hipped with legs and feet firmly planted on the earth. In Juchitecas en Conversación (1985) a standing female figure with crossed arms faces two figures seated on a bench. The figure closest to her rests her hand on a water jug fully facing the first, while the third, body half turned toward the group, gestures toward them with her left arm. The elongated heads and necks are in direct contrast to the full, earthy bodies of all three. In posture and gesture these figures, with their monumental mass and volume, suggest a relationship of community and of union between women, a theme basic to Zuñiga. Other elements catch the eye: the water jug, the dress. The presence of these elements has often been a reason for categorizing Zuniga's work as an example of regional representation, i.e. archetypes of indigenous women. Yet in focusing on the posture, gesture and composition in this work and others, Zuñiga is utilizing a juxtaposition of classical sculptural language with indigenous models. You might feel tempted to focus on the appearance of the model, but you should not overlook the stance, the composition, the regal allusion to the classical Western tradition. This issue becomes even more evident in the pastel and charcoal Dos Mujeres de Pie (1977). Two nudes stand slightly off center from each other and face to face. We see before us the full front and full back view of two women. Full-figured, even corpulent, they are full-hipped with legs and feet firmly planted on the earth.
Mexican, 1912 - 1998 Estudio de Vieja con Rebozo, 1975 Signed Zga and dated 1975 (lr) Crayon and pastel on tobacco paper 25 1/2 x 19 3/4 inches (64.8 x 50.2cm) This work will be included in the forthcoming Catalog Raisonne V (Framed 37 x 29 3/4 inches) The paper has lightened at prior mat opening. Pinholes at corners.
Mexican, 1912 - 1998 Untitled (Nude), 1966 Signed Zga 1966 (lr) Crayon and pencil on paper Sight 19 1/2 x 25 1/2 inches (49.5 x 64.7cm) (Framed 28 3/4 x 34 3/4 inches) The drawing is in good condition. The sheet is toned near center bottom edge. There are pinhole marks on all four corners of the sheet. The sheet is slightly loose in the frame. Not examined out of the frame.
Mexican, 1912 - 1998 Seated Woman Combing Hair, 1974 Signed, dated and numbered Zúñiga 1974 XVI/XVIII Bronze on metal base Height with base 11 1/2 inches This work is included in the forthcoming updated edition of Francisco Zuniga Catalogue Raisonné Volume I as catalog no. 707A. Overall in good condition with no apparent issues.
Mexican, 1912-1998 Mujer con Rebozo, 1960 Signed and dated Zúñiga 1960 on the back Bronze with dark brown patina, on a wood base Height 8 3/4 inches (22.3cm) Provenance: Sotheby's, New York, Sale, Nov. 26, 1985, lot 119 Doyle, New York, Sale, Oct. 10, 2018, lot 1122 (With Base, Height 10 inches) Overall in good condition with no apparent issues.
Artist: Francisco Zuniga, Mexican (1912 - 1998), Title: Mujer Bebiendo (Woman Drinking), Year: 1984, Medium: Lithograph on Somerset, signed, numbered, and dated in pencil, Edition: 3/250, Image Size: 11.25 x 10 inches, Frame Size: 18.5 x 14.5 inches, Printer: American Atelier, New York, Publisher: Brewster Editions, New York, Reference: Brewster 98
Artist: Francisco Zuniga, Mexican (1912 - 1998), Title: Poster for the Exhibition at Sindin Gallery, NY, Year: 1980, Medium: Poster, Size: 40 in. x 28 in. (101.6 cm x 71.12 cm)
Francisco Zuniga (Mexican, 1912-1998) Dos Mujeres, Signed Zuniga and dated 1979 in pencil lower right, Sanguine on paper, 19 3/4" x 26 1/2", Framed-25 1/4" x 32 7/8"
Francisco Zuniga Costa Rican/Mexican, 1912-1998 Mujer con Tocado pastel on paper 1979, signed and dated lower left, 27 3/4 in. x 19 3/4 in., framed, overall 35 1/2 in. x 28 1/2 in. x 1 1/4 in. Note: This work to be included in the Zúñiga Catalogue Raisonneé. Neal Auction would like to thank Ariel Zúñiga for his assistance in cataloguing this lot. Provenance: Collection of Sally and the Late Dr. Lawrence O'Meallie, New Orleans.
FRANCISCO ZÚÑIGA (1912-1998) Mestiza / Mujer del sureste signed, numbered and dated 'Zuñiga VI/VI 1966' (on the reverse near the base) bronze with brown patina 18 9/16 in (47.5 cm) (length) Conceived and cast in 1966 in an edition of 6 numbered I/VI – VI/VI, and one incorrectly numbered II/V
Francisco Zúñiga (1912-1998, Mexican) "La Espera," 1973 Lithograph in colors on Arches paper Edition: 43/100 (there were also 20 artist's proofs) Signed, dated, and numbered in pencil at the lower edge: Zúñiga 1973; Editions Press, San Francisco, CA, pub./prntr.; and with their blindstamp lower left
Francisco Zúñiga (1912-1998, Mexican) Plate 9 from the "Impresiones de Egipto" suite, 1982 Lithograph in colors on Arches paper Edition 35/90 (there were also 10 artist's proofs and 45 deluxe suite impressions) Signed, dated, and numbered in pencil along the lower edge, at left: Zúñiga / 1982; Mourlot Atelier, Paris, France, prntr., with their blindstamp; Brewster Editions, New York, NY, pub.
Francisco Zúñiga (1912-1998, Mexican) Plate 5 from the "Impresiones de Egipto" suite, 1982 Lithograph in colors on Arches paper Edition 35/90 (there were also 10 artist's proofs and 45 deluxe suite impressions) Signed, dated, and numbered in pencil along the lower edge, at left: Zúñiga / 1982; Mourlot Atelier, Paris, France, prntr., with their blindstamp; Brewster Editions, New York, NY, pub.
Francisco Zúñiga (1912-1998, Mexican) Plate 3 from the "Impresiones de Egipto" suite, 1982 Lithograph in colors on Arches paper Edition 35/90 (there were also 10 artist's proofs and 45 deluxe suite impressions) Signed, dated, and numbered in pencil along the lower edge: Zúñiga / 1982, at left; Mourlot Atelier, Paris, France, prntr., with their blindstamp; Brewster Editions, New York, NY, pub.
Francisco Zúñiga (1912-1998, Mexican) "Dos Mujeres Sentadas," 1978 Lithograph on wove paper Edition: 84/100 (there were also 20 artist's proofs) Signed, dated, and numbered in pencil lower left: Zúñiga 1978; Kyron, S.A., Mexico, prntr.; Brewster Editions, New York, NY
Francisco Zúñiga (1912-1998, Mexican) "Familia Indigena I," 1976 Lithograph in colors on wove paper Edition: 112/125 (there were also 20 artist's proofs) Signed, dated, and numbered in pencil in the lower right corner of the image: Zúñiga 1976; Kyron, Mexico, prntr.; Graphic Arts Council of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, CA, pub.
Francisco Zúñiga (1912-1998, Mexican) "Mujer con Pescados," 1980 Lithograph in colors on Arches paper Edition: 45/135 (there were also 15 artist's proofs) Signed, dated, and numbered in pencil lower left: Zúñiga 1980; Mourlot Atelier, Paris, France, prntr., with their blindstamp; Brewster Editions, New York, NY, pub.
Francisco Zúñiga (1912-1998, Mexican) "Mujer con Olla," 1983 Lithograph in colors on BFK Rives paper Edition: 49/100 (there were also 10 artist's proofs) Signed, dated, and numbered in pencil near the lower edge: Zúñiga / 1983; Wolfensberger, Zurich, Switzerland, prntr.; Gallery Borjeson, Malmo, Sweden, pub.
Attributed to Francisco Zuniga, Mexican, 1912 to 1998, mixed media painting on paper depicting a portrait of an old woman, 1976. Signed and dated, lower right. Framed. Jose Jesus Francisco Zuniga Chavarria was a Costa Rican born Mexican artist, known both for his painting and his sculpture. Journalist Fernando Gonzalez Gortazar lists Zuniga as one of the 100 most notable Mexicans of the 20th century, while the Encyclopedia Britannica calls him perhaps the best sculptor of the Mexican political modern style. One of a kind artwork.
Artist: Francisco Zuniga, Mexican (1912 - 1998) Title: Hombres con Barca II (State II) Year: 1984 Medium: Lithograph on Gray Rives BFK Paper, signed, numbered and dated in pencil Edition: 40 Size: 24.5 in. x 34.5 in. (62.23 cm x 87.63 cm) Printer: American Atelier, NY Publisher: Brewster Editions, NY Reference: Brewster 100
Artist: Francisco Zuniga, Mexican (1912 - 1998) Title: Yucatecas en la Parque, State II Year: 1986 Medium: Lithograph on Japon, Signed and numbered in pencil Edition: PA 5 Size: 21 in. x 29.5 in. (53.34 cm x 74.93 cm)
Francisco Zúñiga (1912–1998). Four Robed Figures. Lithograph on paper. Signed and dated LR. Mexican, 1974. Frame: H 25-1/4" W 31-1/4". Mat opening: H 18-1/2" W 24-1/4". Condition: No imperfections or damage noted. Link to hi-res images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/034g6n8fkx7s7u0439ngd/6739169_1.jpg?rlkey=bmgga0aokssba2rm7ul8inikc&st=629tiyv9&dl=0
Francisco Zuniga (Mexican, 1912-1998) "El Umbral - The Threshold", 1970-71 patinated bronze bas-relief cast signature, dated "71" and numbered "II/III" at lower right, on an integral rectangular wood base.
Framed lithograph on paper, "El Peinado," signed lower right Zuniga (Francisco Zuniga, Costa Rican-born Mexican, 1912-1998), numbered 18/ 70, printed by Kyron, Mexico City, sight: approx 18.25"h, 23.5"w, overall: 19.25"h, 24.5"w, 6lbs
Attributed to Francisco Zuniga, Mexican, 1912 to 1998, pastel painting on paper depicting a double portrait of women, 1974. Signed and dated, lower left. Framed. Jose Jesus Francisco Zuniga Chavarria was a Costa Rican born Mexican artist, known both for his painting and his sculpture. Journalist Fernando Gonzalez Gortazar lists Zuniga as one of the 100 most notable Mexicans of the 20th century, while the Encyclopedia Britannica calls him perhaps the best sculptor of the Mexican political modern style. One of a kind artwork.
FRANCISCO ZÚÑIGA (1912-1998) Tehuana Descansa 1972 crayon on paper, signed and dated lower left 19 3/4 x 25 1/2in (50.1 x 64.6cm) For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
FRANCISCO ZÚÑIGA (1912-1998) Juchiteca Sentada 1972 bronze, signed 'ZUÑIGA', dated and numbered I/VI height 11 1/8in (28.2cm); width 9in (22.8cm); depth 12 1/4in (30.7cm) For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
FRANCISCO ZÚÑIGA (1912-1998) Mujer Sentada 1973 pastel and charcoal on paper, signed and dated lower right sight 22 1/2 x 17 1/4in (57.1 x 43.7cm) For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
FRANCISCO ZÚÑIGA (1912-1998) Untitled (Tres Mujeres) 1974 pastel and charcoal on paper, signed and dated lower right 19 3/4 x 25 3/4in (50.2 x 65.4cm) For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Francisco Zúñiga (Costa Rican/Mexican, 1912-1998) Hombre arrodillado (con piernas) [Kneeling man (with legs)], 1966 patinated bronze inscribed ZUNIGA, numbered II/III and dated, on a plinth, raised on a revolving pedestal; together with S. Reich, Francisco Zúñiga, Sculptor: Conversations and Interpretations, 1980.
Francisco Zuniga (Costa Rican/Mexican, 1913-1998) "Desnudo de Victoria" [Naked Victoria] Verdigris Patinated Bronze Sculpture, 1968, signed, dated, and numbered edition "V / VI" beneath proper right leg, mounted on wood base. Overall: 17.5" H x 12" W x 13" D. Provenance: Doyle, New York: 20th Century Art and Design, November 13, 2001, lot 28. From a Sutton Place Estate. Literature: Ariel Zuniga, Francisco Zuniga, Catalogue Raisonne, I: Sculpture, 1923-1993, Albedrio in association with Fundacion Zuniga Laborde, A.C., 1999, no. 386, illustrated p. 259. Keywords: Sculpture, Statue, Seated Nude, Nude Woman, Female figure, Post-War & Contemporary Art
Francisco Zuniga (Costa Rican/Mexican, 1912-1998) "La Calera" [The Lime Seller] Patinated Bronze Sculpture, 1977, signed, dated, and numbered edition "IV/VI" to reverse, mounted on a black marble base. Overall: 12" H x 8" W x 8" D. Provenance: From a Rye, New York Estate. Keywords: Statue, Figural, Figurative, Seated figure, Nude Woman, Post-War & Contemporary Art
Francisco Zúñiga (Costa Rican, Mexican, 1912-1998) (2) Dolores Sentada (State II) (B. 35) & Francisco Zuniga: Drawings and Lithographs, June 16-21, 1977 at Brewster Gallery, New York, 1977 Lithograph on Copperplate Deluxe paper & Poster on paper III of XXX from an ed. of 50 Signed and dated in pencil Zúñiga 1977, lower middle & Unsigned poster Dimensions reflect the lithograph. Poster measures 34.75 x 21.5 (in), 42.25 x 29 x 0.75 (in) Framed. Harcourts Gallery tag, verso of lithograph. Lithograph printed by Kyron, S.A., Mexico D.F. with their blind stamp, lower right. Both works published by Brewster Editions, New York. There was a standard edition of 50 with 30 State II works in Roman numerals, 5 Artist's Proofs, 2 Hors de Commerce proofs, 4 Kyron Proofs, and 1 Printer's Proof.
Francisco Zúñiga (Costa Rican, Mexican, 1912-1998) Mujer con Rebozo (B. 10), 1973 Lithograph on BFK Rives paper ed. 40 of 150 Signed and dated in pencil Zúñiga 1973, lower right Printed by Taller de Gráfica Mexicana, S.A.. Mexico D.F. Published by Cartón y Papel de Mexico, S.A.. Mexico D.F.
![Francisco Zúñiga (Costa Rican/Mexican, 1912-1998), Hombre arrodillado (con piernas) [Kneeling man (with legs)], 1966, patinated bronze, bronze height 23 3/4in (60cm); width 10in (25.5cm); depth 10 1/2in (26.5cm); overall](https://stageimg.invaluable.com/housePhotos/andrewjonesauctions/46/780446/H21356-L386173366.JPG)
