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THBJesús Tellosa Modernist Polychrome Steel Bust Sculpture, Mexico 1993
About Seller
1205 S Hill Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
United States
Cain Modern is the source for the elegant and the classic. Our store is a result of a desire to give people with an eye for design the opportunity to purchase mid-century designer pieces that are usually reserved only for the design industry. We source the world for that unique piece which can’t hel...Read more
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About Auction
LiveSep 16, 2025
This special auction honors Mexican Independence Day by showcasing the timeless artistry of Mexico’s most iconic design legacy—Taxco silverwork and the visionary creations of Emilia Castillo. Renowned for her bold use of inlaid stones and sculptural forms, Castillo transformed functional objects into collectible art. Each piece—marked “Los Castillo / Taxco / Mexico??—embodies the soul of Mexican modernism, blending tradition, innovation, and nature-inspired elegance. Cain Modern Auctions cain@cainmodern.com
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- Lot Description
Striking modernist portrait bust sculpture by Jesús Tellosa (Mexican, b. 1936), executed in 1993. Crafted in polychromed steel with painted orange and black surfaces, the sculpture features a bold abstracted human profile paired with geometric and organic forms, exemplifying Tellosa’s exploration of modernist design and material experimentation. The work is signed and dated "Tellosa 93" at the lower right and mounted on a black lacquered base.
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Artist: Jesús Tellosa (b. 1936, Tacambaro, Michoacan, Mexico)<br>Date: 1993<br>
Medium: Polychromed steel, mounted on lacquered base<br>
Dimensions: 18 inches × 16.5 inches wide × 9 inches deep.<br>
Provenance: From an Upper West Side, New York City estate<br><br>
About the Artist
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Jesús Tellosa is a recognized Mexican modernist sculptor whose work bridges abstract figuration and geometric minimalism, contributing to the evolution of 20th-century Latin American sculpture. Born in 1936, Tellosa became known for his innovative use of steel and industrial materials, reflecting the rapid modernization of Mexico while grounding his work in expressive human forms.
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Tellosa’s career coincided with a crucial period in Mexican art when modernist and avant-garde voices began reshaping the country’s creative identity on the world stage. His sculptures embody both a dialogue with international modernist movements and a deep connection to Mexico’s cultural roots, establishing him as an influential figure in both national and global art contexts.
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Collecting Importance<br>
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This 1993 bust exemplifies Tellosa’s signature style—dynamic, experimental, and visually impactful—making it an important acquisition for collectors of high-end Mexican modernism. Works by Tellosa are increasingly sought after by museums and private collections that value the intersection of Latin American heritage and modernist innovation.
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A rare opportunity to acquire a signed and dated sculpture from one of Mexico’s most distinctive voices in 20th-century art.
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Used condition, mild nicks and scratches, general wear.<br><br>The Condition Report states Cain Modern Auctions reasonable opinion as to the lots general condition in the terms stated in the particular report, and Cain Modern Auctions does not represent or guarantee that a Condition Report includes all aspects of the internal or external condition of the Lot. Cain Modern Auctions does not owe the buyer any obligation to report on the condition of the lot and makes no guarantee the condition will be given for the lot.<br/>Cain Modern Auctions attempts to provide accurate descriptions and images of products online. It is the buyers responsibility to review all of the information provided about a lot before placing a bid. The buyer acknowledges that the products are sold on an the as-is as found basis/condition and all sales are final.
- Shipping Info
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Local pickup is welcomed, please call in advance to setup an appointment and ensure the items are paid for before picking up. For out of state buyers we can provide shipping quotes or provide a list of shippers, we do not pack anything ourselves but we can drop off the pieces to a shipping store such as UPS or FedEx and arrange shipping with freight companies such as Plycon, Craters & Freighters, Tramo, Cube, and others.
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Payment Details We accept checks, wire transfers or credit cards. Payment must be made within 5 days after the auction has closed and no pickup arrangements will be made prior to payment. Call Cain Modern Auctions at 310-652-6045 or email cain@cainmodern.com with any questions, concerns or requests.
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