Luis García Hevia, Woman with Earring, about 1850. Oil paint on canvas; 31½ x 24¼ in. Gift of Dr. Belinda Straight, 1984.718.

height: 31.5 in, 80.0100 cm; width: 24.25 in, 61.5950 cm; frame height: 38 1/4 in, 97.1550 cm; frame width: 32 in, 81.2800 cm; frame depth: 1 3/4 in, 4.4450 cm

Mayer Center, Latin American Art

Latin American Art

This object is currently on view

While colonial portraits aimed to show the status of the sitter rather than a physical likeness, a focus on realism and individual identity emerged in the early 1800s with the independence movement in Latin America. This post-colonial artist painted a highly individualized portrait that captures the essence of this elderly woman. Although the prominent gold and pearl drop earring hints at her wealth, this stand-out element also contributes to the woman’s confident—almost defiant—attitude.
-- Julie Wilson Frick, 2017

Purportedly collection of Dr. Ramon G. Osuna, Sr. [1914-1977], Havana, Cuba and Washington D.C. during 1950s; by descent, Ramon G. Osuna, Jr. [1937-2019] (Pyramid Galleries, Ltd), Washington D.C. [1]; purchase, Dr. Belinda Straight [1920-2015], Washington D.C., by 1978; Gifted to the Denver Art Museum, 1984 [1] On loan to the Denver Art Museum, 1977 Provenance research is on-going at the Denver Art Museum. Please e-mail provenance@denverartmuseum.org, if you have questions, or if you have additional information to share with us.