ERNEST L. BLUMENSCHEIN
MEXICAN IN HALLWAY
alternate title:
HALFBREED AND HIS FAMILY
OIL 14" X 20" 1927
Maxwell Alexander Gallery is proud to present a new arrival by Taos Society of Artists Founding Member, Ernest Leonard Blumenschein.
The oil painting from 1928 includes the original gallery label on verso, along with the artist's signature on the front (lower left) and back (upper stretcher bar): "E L BLUMENSCHEIN"
Upon further inspection of backing, alternate titles were found written in the artist's hand, along with "Taos. NM." This painting was owned by the same family since its original purchase, until recently.
The alternate title of "Halfbreed and His Family" indicates the mixed race of the main figure, presumably Half Mexican and Half Native American. This painting includes Blumenschein's signature brushstrokes, with thick paint throughout, especially in the main figure's blanket. The blanket covered background figures are painted in a modern simplified manner, something Blumenschein became most known for. Lastly, "Mexican in Hallway / Halfbreed and his Family" comes in its original frame.
