Two Children with Fishbowl (Tondo)
Limited edition print (likely a lithograph or aquatint etching) on heavy rag paper • Graciela Rodo Boulanger (Bolivian, b. 1935)
Style & Movement
Modernism / Naïve Art (Primitivism); influenced by Latin American folk art aesthetics.
Medium & Technique
Lithography or Etching with Aquatint; featuring soft, atmospheric textures, fine line work, and vibrant layered colors typical of the artist's printmaking style.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (Circa 1970-1990)
Dimensions & Format
Circular (Tondo) format; image diameter approximately 12 to 15 inches, mounted in a square or rectangular frame.
Subject Description
The image depicts two stylized, round-faced children in colorful patterned clothing (stripes and checkers) holding a round fishbowl containing two gold fish. The composition is circular (tondo), characterized by the artist's signature whimsical, innocent, and poetic portrayal of childhood.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; colors appear vibrant and saturated, the paper is white with no visible foxing or water damage, and the deckled edge of the print remains crisp.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD (dependent on gallery retail settings and frame quality)
Auction Estimate
$400 - $700 USD
Provenance History
Numbered 45/275; likely acquired through a fine art gallery or high-end publisher specializing in Latin American modernism. No specific visible labels, but the edition numbering indicates a managed print run.
Art Historical Significance
Boulanger is a preeminent figure in Latin American art, known for her unique 'children's world' that blends fantasy with technical rigor. Her work is held in the permanent collection of the UN and has been exhibited globally since the 1950s.
Notable Features
Hand-signed in pencil lower right 'G. Rodo Boulanger' and hand-numbered '45/275' lower left. The circular 'tondo' border gives the piece a distinctive portal-like quality.
Condition Issues
None visible; the print is well-protected behind glazing and properly matted. Long-term exposure to sunlight could lead to fading of the blue and red pigments if not UV-protected.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is framed with UV-protective museum glass and acid-free archival matting. Display away from direct sunlight and areas of high humidity.