A wonderfully strange vintage Mexican papier-mâché clown, hand-painted and signed “Alvarez, Mexico B-14” on the underside. Mexican circus culture became wildly popular, and by the 20th century, clowns became a perfect subject for local folk artists. Papier-mâché folk art was associated with colorful festivals and circuses, where lightweight materials were transformed into masks and fantastical figures.
Details
Origin: Mexico
Date: C. 1950s–1970s
Material: Papier-mâché
Decoration: Hand-painted polychrome finish with glossy surface
Condition: Good vintage condition with scattered scuffs, paint irregularities and surface wear consistent with age and handmade papier-mâché construction. Please examine photographs closely.
