CORNEJO, Francisco, (American, 1892-1963): WPA Era New York City Scene with Empire State Building, Gouache, sight size 19'' x 14'', signed lower left, encased in contemporary frame, 25.5'' x 19.5''. A painter and archaeologist, Francisco Cornejo was born in La Paz, Mexico in 1892. Cornejo moved to Los Angeles in 1911 where he executed several interior and exterior mural decorations for the Mayan Theatre in Los Angeles designed by the noted architectural firm of Morgan Wells and Clements. He was a resident of Los Angeles from 1911-32 except during 1919-24 when he was in San Francisco, where he lectured on ancient American art to San Francisco public school teachers. He exhibited his work in Mexico City, at Stanford University, and at the California School of Fine Arts in San Francisco. He was most known for reviving Pre-Colombian art specializing in Mayan and Aztec themes and the California Missions. In 1919 he designed Mayan and Toltec sets and costumes for Ted Shawn, head of the pioneering Denishawn Dancers. Then during the 1920's he designed homes in the Mayan Revival style. In 1926 he curated a well-publicized exhibition of ancient American art and its modern applications in Los Angeles. In 1930 Cornejo moved back to Mexico, where he continued to live until his death in 1963. Exhibited: California School of Fine Arts, San Francisco; Stanford University. Source: www.askart.com
CONDITION: Glued to mat and backboard, several touches of spotting, mat shows wear, sold as is.