Tortilla Lesson

Artist Jean Charlot (American, born France, 1898 - 1979)

Printer Lynton R. Kistler (American, 1897 - 1993)

Date1947

MediumLithograph on paper

DimensionsImage: 13 3/8 × 9 7/8 inches (33.97 × 25.08 cm)
Sheet: 16 7/8 × 12 1/2 inches (42.86 × 31.75 cm)

Credit LineGift of Robert L. Bloch

Object numberF95-37

Signedbottom margin, in pencil: "41/100 Jean Charlot"

Markings(l.l. corner): printer's chop (blind stamp)

Edition/State/Proof41/100

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DescriptionKneeling, robed figure of wide-faced woman holds white oval in upraised hand, right, above low, round table, and looks down on kneeling girl with long braid, clasping white oval, facing right. Large vessel atop counter, upper left corner.Gallery Label

Gallery Label

Jean Charlot revered indigenous Mexican customs. Described in soft shades of gray, a girl follows the example of her mentor to carefully shape a tortilla—a mainstay of the Mexican diet. Although the pair performs a seemingly mundane activity, the solid mass of their figures underscores the importance of this ritual that nourishes the body and sustains tradition.

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