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Unknown
Antique Super Detailed Social Realist St Thomas Tropical Chicken Fight Painting

1950

$7,750
£5,839.41
€6,825.59
CA$10,974.77
A$11,176.62
CHF 6,415.85
MX$134,866.14
NOK 74,356.48
SEK 75,377.87
DKK 51,030.95

About the Item

A vivid and densely populated cockfighting scene painted in 1950 and signed Allatteini L., lower right, with the inscription St. Thomas 50. This large-scale oil captures the spectacle and ritual of the ring with cinematic flair—hundreds of figures crowd a domed arena, watching the dramatic clash of colorfully plumed birds in the center pit. The composition is packed with tightly interlocked bodies and expressive gestures: clapping, shouting, leaning forward, smoking, eating. The viewer’s eye is pulled around the space in a wide arc, echoing the curvature of the ring. Each figure is stylized and simplified in the manner of regional modernist traditions, with a palette of jewel tones, chalky whites, and earthy ochres. This is an important and complex social document, likely made by a Caribbean or Latin American émigré painter. Though stylistically folk-influenced, the level of organization and control suggests academic training. The banners—"FRETTONS" and "CONTINENTAL MONTEGO CLUB"—may refer to real local institutions, rooting the work in mid-century leisure culture of the West Indies. Key Details: Signed lower right: Allatteini L., inscribed St. Thomas 50 Framed dimensions: 28 x 22 in. Panel dimensions: 23 x 17 in. Oil on board Style: Caribbean Modernism / Folk Realism Subject: Cockfight in stadium arena Highly detailed with 100+ figures Original carved latticework frame
  • Creation Year:
    1950
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 22 in (55.88 cm)Width: 28 in (71.12 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Buffalo, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU139216526922

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