[unattributed, possibly Cuban]
possibly Cuba
Carnival, 1954
Oil on board
6 x 13 inches [unframed]
Signed : ‘[illegibly]’.

CONDITION:
Excellent original untouched condition.

DESCRIPTION:
The first Carnival was held in 1550-1558, after the arrival of enslaved people from Africa to the island of Cuba.

Carnival takes place in August before Ash Wednesday. The African ethnic groups and also the so-called mulattos would become part of these celebrations in the 17th century, which is why many of their characteristics can be seen in the floats of today’s Carnival.

This small panel painting was possibly a souvenir purchased by the elite and wealthy who used to go to Cuba when it became fashionable by Hollywood stars.  The panel depicts black carnival dressed women.  This could be the Tropicana or Carnival.

PROVENANCE:
2021 ( David Smernoff, New Haven, CT & New York, NY ) ;
after 1954 Private collection of [unknown] ;
1954 [unattributed], the artist .

EXHIBITION:
[none] ;