Spanish Musicians, Taos

Artist Ernest Martin Hennings (American, 1886 - 1956)

Datec. 1926-1929

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensions36 1/4 × 40 inches (92.1 × 101.6 cm)
Frame: 40 3/4 × 44 1/2 × 2 inches (103.5 × 113 × 5.1 cm)

Credit LinePartial Bequest of H.J. Lutcher Stark, 1965 and Partial Gift of Nelda C. Stark, 1975

Object number31.32.15

ClassificationsPaintings

Label TextHennings painted scenes from Hispanic culture for some of his most fascinating images. In this painting, he portrays musicians. One sings and plays the guitar and the other plays a violin. The artist depicted the guitar with abraded varnish around the sound hole, resulting from strumming. The guitar was a well-used instrument, not just a showpiece. Hennings conveyed the importance of musical tradition in cultural life.

ProvenanceArtist; by inheritance to his wife Helen Otte Hennings [1893-1985] Taos, New Mexico; purchased August 30, 1956 by H.J. Lutcher Stark [1887-1965]; ½ interest bequeathed September 2, 1965 to the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation [1]; remaining ½ interest gifted December 5, 1975 to the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation by Nelda C. Stark [1909-1999]; accessioned to the Stark Museum of Art | 1. Owned jointly by H.J. Lutcher Stark and Nelda C. Stark until his death at which point his ½ interest was bequeathed to the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation.

On View

On view