"The Flower Sellers," Alfredo Ramos Martinez, c. 1935-8.

Ramos Martinez (1871-1946) was a painter, muralist, and teacher who is regarded as the father of Mexican Modernism.

He came from a well-off family, which ultimately supported his decision to be an artist rather than going into the family business. At the age of nine he won a prize in an exhibition that included a art school scholarship; he won many awards and made many sales while still a student. He designed and painted placemats for a state dinner organized by then-president Porfirio Diaz; one of the guests, Phoebe Hearst (feminist, philanthropist, and mother of William Randolph) saw them, was impressed by them, and financed his further education in Europe.

His later life had him moving to Europe, then back to Mexico, then ending his days in Los Angeles, always with great success, although since his passing he was fairly forgotten until recently, when interest in his work revived.

His work was very modernist, but at the same time serene, depicting indigenous peoples in a dignified and respectful way, a style that is winning him new fans in the 21st century.

Happy Flower Friday!

From the Minneapolis Museum of Art.

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