Colorful Maps of the Pacific by Covarrubias

The Pageant of the Pacific [Six Maps]

Covarrubias, Miguel

Publication: San Francisco: Pacific House / San Francisco Bay Exposition Company, 1940. First edition.

Notes: A set of six color lithograph reproductions of Covarrubias's map murals done for the Pacific House at the Golden Gate International Exposition held in San Francisco. With the large portfolio case and wooden dowel.

The lithographs, in brilliant color, depict the Pacific Ocean and the countries surrounding it. Each image has a theme: peoples, fauna and flora, art forms, economy, native dwellings, and native means of transportation. In each one Covarrubias—a self-taught anthropologist and ethnographer—depicts native costumes, houses, boats, statutes, baskets, etc. Covarrubias's artistic talent, sense of composition, and affection for the subject matter turn simple objects into art.

The paintings reproduced here are among the most important of Covarrubias's career and are often included in surveys of important Mexican murals of the period. Covarrubias was born in Mexico but came to New York as a young man and blossomed as an artist and caricaturist. These lithographs were issued in two formats—in a large portfolio (this) and rolled in a special tube.

This is a complete set of six (6) lithographs, plates I through IV are 38" x 25"; plates V and VI are 25" x 19". Printed in color on heavy white paper.

Edition + Condition: A very good set, lacking the plain paper explanatory text. The maps have been folded around a central dowel which has offset somewhat on plates III and V, which were in contact with the wood.

Item No: #13872

Price: $1,200