The Donors Item Number: 3170/1 a-y from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Contemporary retablo with ceramic figures, miniature retablos and paper books. The wooden box itself (part a) has a structured hole at centre front, taking the form of a stage. The wood is painted black and several images are adhered to it, such as a typewriter, human and animal figures, flowers, and Albert Einstein surrounded by pigeons. Ceramic figures of the donor and her husband (parts b and c), their dog (part d), and a small stool (part e) are placed in the retablo, as well as a small woven basket (part f) containing a crumpled sheet of paper (part y). There are three miniature retablos (parts g-i) of glass and wood, one of which is held by the woman, and many miniature books (parts j-x). Six of the books are filled with blank paper, while the other nine have titles and writing inside.

Narrative

The retablo depicts Blanca and Ricardo Muratorio and their beloved pet dog, surrounded by books. The miniature retablos were found by Blanca in an antique shop in Buenos Aires. One of the tiny books is a brief biography of Ricardo.

Item History

What

Name
The Donors
Identification Number
3170/1 a-y
Type of Item
altar
Material
wood, paper, clay, glass, plant fibre, paint and adhesive
Overall
height 41.0 cm, width 46.0 cm, depth 11.2 cm
Part B
height 15.6 cm, width 8.0 cm, depth 3.5 cm
Part C
height 16.0 cm, width 6.2 cm, depth 7.5 cm
Part D
height 7.3 cm, width 4.2 cm, depth 4.5 cm

Who

Culture
Argentine
Creator
Delia Duhau (Maker)
Previous Owner
Blanca Muratorio
Received from
Blanca Muratorio (Donor)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Argentina

When

Creation Date
during 2014
Ownership Date
before May 24, 2016
Acquisition Date
on May 24, 2016

Other

Condition
good
Accession Number
3170/0001 a-y