130

Tina Modotti

1896-1942

Portrait of the Mexican artist Lola Cueto (1897-1978). Circa 1927.

Silver print
With Modotti's signature in pencil on mount recto.
The image 9 3/8 x 7 1/4 in. (23.8 x 18.4 cm.), the mount 16 1/2 x 13 in. (41.9 x 33 cm.)

  • Provenance:
    Personal collection of Lola Cueto; by descent to her daughter Mireya Cueto
    Acquired from Mireya Cueto by the Present Owner in 1998

    The work is accompanied by a letter of provenance.
  • Literature:
    Hooks, Margaret, Tina Modotti, Phaidon "55" Series, Phaidon Press Ltd, 2002, p. 71
    Hooks Margaret, Tina Modotti, Phaidon Press Ltd, 2005, p. 28 (larger-format reprint of the 55 series book).

    "… another haunt of Tina and Edward's [was] the artists' colony on the property owned by the painter and sculptor Germán Cueto on Mixcalco Street, in the heart of the commercial district near the centuries-old Merced market. With the founding of the revolutionary artists' syndicate in 1922, Cueto had built a collective art workshop in the patio, renting the several houses which faced each other across a narrow alleyway at the back of the property to other artists. His most famous, and rowdiest, tenants were Diego [Rivera] and Lupe [Marín, his first wife].

    It was here that Tina may have found the subject of what is today considered her first serious photograph. Germán and his wife, Lola Cueto, had founded a marionette theatre, for which Germán, an adept sculptor in all media, and Lola, a painter and designer, made the puppets and did the stage design. The performances were held in the large patio of their home. In February [1924], Tina proudly sent Johan Hagemeyer a tiny photograph of a moustachioed, serape-wearing Mexican marionette, whose dark costume and sombrero meld into his black silhouette, cast upon a light-coloured background. She called it ‘My Latest Lover!'" --Margaret Hooks, Tina Modotti: Photographer and Revolutionary (Pandora,1993), p. 77
  • Condition: For condition reports, email Deborah Rogal at [email protected]

    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

December 16, 2025 12:00 PM EST
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000