Juan José Segura (1901–1964) — “ritmo,” Paris 1932, Major Historical Provenance

Juan José SEGURA (1901–1964) – “Ritmo,” Paris 1932Significant historical provenance: Exhibition at Galerie Mallet (April 1932) withcontemporary iconographic manuscriptAn important and rare painting from the Parisian period of the Mexican modernist artistJuan José Segura, titled “Ritmo” (Rhythm), painted in April 1932.
Oilon canvas presented in its original period gilded wooden frame.
Description of the work:
This captivating composition depicts a young woman withauburn hair, her eyes closed in a pose of gentle, melancholic reverie,gently touching the strings of an instrument (guitar). Full of curvesand softness, the rendering of the face and arms demonstrates greatstylistic mastery, at the crossroads of magical realism and 1930smodernism. The dark and mysterious tones of the background beautifullyhighlight the model’s opalescent complexion and the warmth of the instrument’s wood.
The work bears the title “Ritmo,” inscribed in the artist’s own handon the back, a signature on the front in the lower right corner, as well as acomplete countersignature on the reverse: “Ritmo” por Juan JoséSegura, Paris 1932.
A documented historical provenance:
The exhibition at the Galerie Mallet.
An exceptional feature that elevates this painting to the status of a museum piece: the workis accompanied by a period envelope containing awritten by its first owner in April 1932.
This historical document provides a detailed account of the exhibition by this youngMexican painter at the Galerie Mallet in Paris. The original buyerrecounts the extraordinary excitement surrounding the event, noting that “all ofGreater Paris—artists and art lovers alike—passed through the gallery during those two weeks.”
Captivated by Segura’s style, the writer notes that this young paintermakes him “dream of a new romanticism,” capturing the very essence of thefigurative and poetic revival of the 1930s.
The manuscript also describesthe other works surrounding his in the gallery, offering a uniquedocumentary immersion.
Collectibility and ProvenanceBorn in Guadalajara, Mexico, Juan José Segura trained at the mostmajor international institutions: the School of Fine Arts in New York and thenthe Royal Academy of San Fernando in Madrid. The works from his Parisian period(early 1930s) are by far the most sought-after of his career.
The reverse of the painting offers perfect material traceability: theoriginal canvas bears the stamp of the prestigious Maison Blanchet (RueBonaparte, Paris), a renowned supplier of art supplies on the Left BankGauche, and has not undergone any re-stretching or restoration.
Condition and presentation:
The painting is in excellent original condition.The paint layer is sound and shows no cracking or lifting.The canvas is stretched on its original key-lock stretcher.I note only a microscopic loss of paint in the lower center of thepainting.
The work is enhanced by its substantial original gilded wooden frame with astepped profile and grooves, typical of the Modernist and Art Deco periods, whichlends it a superb decorative presence.
Title:
Ritmo (Rhythm) Date: April 1932 (Art Deco / New Romanticism period)
Technique:
Oil on canvas Dimensions of the canvas alone: 56 cm x 71 cm
Provenance:
Galerie Mallet, Paris / Toile Blanchet, Rue BonaparteAttached documents: Envelope and handwritten note from the original buyer (April 1932).
Signature:
Signed lower right, titled, dated, and countersigned on the back by the artist: Juan José Segura (1901–1964) Title: Ritmo (Rhythm)