Cock on Block

Currently not on view

Cock on Block

1944

Esteban Francés (Spanish, 1913–1976)

Working in Barcelona for much of the 1930s, Esteban Francés brought an unusual mix of geometric patterning and distorted illusionism to his painting. The artist fought against the Nationalists during the Spanish Civil War, and then was forced into exile in Paris in 1937, where his involvement with Surrealism grew. World War II prompted him, as it did many artists, to leave Europe. Francés went first to Mexico and then the United States. This painting, likely made in New York, suggests an allegory of politics in its depiction of the impending slaughter of a rooster on a chopping block.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Cock on Block

Date:

1944

Artist:

Esteban Francés (Spanish, 1913–1976)

Medium:

Oil on canvas

Dimensions:

21 3/4 x 17 7/8 inches (55.2 x 45.4 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Clifford, 1973

Accession Number:

1973-256-8

Geography:

Possibly made in New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

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Currently not on view