The protective angel, around 1960-1970
Gouache, acrylic, ink and ink wash on cardboard
80 x 120.5 cm
A certificate from the Catherine Frédéric Portal gallery dated 2009 will be given to the buyer.
PROVENANCE
Galerie Catherine Frédéric Portal, Saint Jean de Luz Private
collection, Paris
Of Madrid origin, Antonio Uria-Monzon is noticed by Manolo Condé, Spanish art critic, and founder of the group El Paso (Feito / Saura / Millares).
This work presented today is one of the artist's major works. It retraces all the emotionally charged symbolism that characterizes Antonio Uria-Monzon's plastic research.
It is an allegory of the civil war, particularly visible in the greyish left part of the building from which a gigantic bull emerges. This creature represents Spain in the midst of a civil war. The beast is put to death by the estocade; however, since bullfighting has a predominant place in Hispanic culture and tradition, it is a metaphor for Spain on its knees. The exodus of the people is symbolized by a human column rushing down the hill, and fleeing from the massacre of the fighting. The child jumping on the rope leaves an impression of recklessness in the face of danger and chaos in the surroundings, creating a paradox with the mother imploring that her child's life be saved. This scene refers to the murder of the artist's father in this dark period of Spanish history. The civil war and its attendant horrors and suffering have struck the country and its people from all sides.
Despite the prevailing darkness, the work became clearer thanks to the use of light tones and especially of a thick and pure white: Peace is announced by the angel and his trumpet of fame. The artist therefore decided to use simple and understandable metaphors for audiences of all ages. This soft light seems to invade the space as if it were bringing hope for a bright future.
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