E. Lam and L.L. Lam, Wifredo Lam Vol 21961-1982 Catalogue Raisoneé of the Painted Work, Paris: Acatos, 2006; Latin American Art, New York: Sotheby's, June 2000, p. 186. Illustrated in color
Wifredo Lam was born in Sagua la Grande, Cuba and was of mixed Chinese, European, Indian and African descent. He studied under Fernando Álvarez de Sotomayor, curator for the Museo del Prado and teacher of Salvador Dalí.
While studying in Spain, he met Pablo Picasso, who would become his mentor and friend as well as one of his great supporters, introducing him to the intelligentsia of the time. Lam significantly contributed to modernism during his prolific career as painter, printmaker, sculptor and ceramist. His works explored Cubism and expanded the inventive parameters of Surrealism while negotiating figuration and abstraction with a unique blend of Afro-Cuban and Surrealist iconography. His iconic visual language incorporated syncretic and fantastical objects and combined human-animal figures fused with lush vegetation.
1969 Pastel and charcoal on paper. 27 1/2 x 19 5/8 in. (70 x 50 cm). Signed and dated lower right. Also signed on the reverse. This work is included in the Wifredo Lam Archive under certificate number 99-07.