Artist
Martín Chambi (Peruvian, 1891–1973)Peruvian, 1891–1973
CulturePeruvian
Titles
- Four Brothers
Date1930s, printed 1991
PlacePeru
MediumGelatin silver print
DimensionsImage: 12 1/4 × 16 3/8 in. (31.1 × 41.6 cm)
Sheet: 15 15/16 × 19 13/16 in. (40.5 × 50.3 cm)
Sheet: 15 15/16 × 19 13/16 in. (40.5 × 50.3 cm)
Credit LineThe Sonia and Kaye Marvins Portrait Collection, museum purchase funded by Sonia and Kaye Marvins
Object number92.179
Not on view
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Department
PhotographySpecial Collections
Object Type
Martin Chambi was taught photography
at the age of nine and by age twenty-six had set up his first studio in
Sicuani. In1917, while still young, Chambi was the first to issue a postcard of
Peru. He moved to Cuzco in 1920, where he opened his second studio, and there
Chambi's portraits of wealthy families, local politicians, and intellectuals
rapidly became fashionable. His concerns, however, also included documentation
of Peru's regional architecture and Indian heritage. A second studio in Cuzco, still
operated by his family, was opened in 1925.
Four Brothers is a wonderful
example of Chambi's straightforward style of portraiture. Lacking the
pretentious props often found in European portraiture, the brothers proudly pose
against a simple backdrop. While all appear in their best clothes, the priest's
stark attire contrasts strikingly with the native dress of the remaining
brothers.
Provenance[Fernando Castro-Ramirez]; purchased by MFAH, 1992.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
verso bottom right in pencil " Chambi / [Four Brothers] "
bottom right below image on sheet an embossed stamp " Foto: Martin Chambi J. / Cuzco-Perú "
Cataloguing data may change with further research.
If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.
Martín Chambi
1925, printed 1991
Gelatin silver print
92.330