
Sibyl Cumaean
1973
This introspective gouache painting presents a contemplative elderly man alongside a classical sculptural profile, suggesting themes of artistic creation and the passage of time. A single red rose in a glass vessel sits in the foreground, its vibrant color punctuating the predominantly dark, muted palette of grays and blacks. The composition juxtaposes the rendered realism of the figure's weathered face with the idealized linearity of the classical bust, creating a dialogue between mortality and permanence. The work reflects mid-twentieth-century regionalist painting traditions while engaging with classical references and existential inquiry. Gonzalez's handling of light and shadow creates psychological depth, inviting reflection on aging, artistic legacy, and mortality.
- Medium
- Gouache on paper board
- Dimensions
- Spotted At
- Auction House · Eldred's
🔨 Auction Lot
Provincetown Art Association & Museum Benefit Auction
May 16, 2026
Estimate: $600 – $800
Lot 30
More by Xavier Gonzalez
Start the Discussion
Request access to join the discussion