Orante/Mujer con las Manos Cruzadas @ Charles F. McElhinney Hall
Orante/Mujer con las Manos Cruzadas @ Charles F. McElhinney Hall
During his life, Jose Jesus Francisco Zuniga Chavarria was considered Mexico’s most prominent sculptor and nicknamed ‘Maestro.’ Inspired by Lozano’s works Zuniga eventually went back to sculpture, the influence of Lozano evident in his pieces. His most popular series Peasant Women represents the simple life. Zuniga would sculpt female models in poses easy to hold for long periods of time. He portrayed these Mexican Indian women in all their majesty as mother, healer, comforter, and matriarch. By exemplifying their struggles and pride Zuniga’s bronzes became eternal figures, forging a link to Mexico’s cultural past. Orante/Mujer con las Manos Cruzadas displays all attributes of his work that made Zuniga a famous sculptor.