Lyon, Danny. Matachines, Central Mexico, 1973, printed 2014. gelatin silver print, Image: 31.7 x 25 cm (12 1/2 x 9 13/16 in.); Paper: 35.4 x 27.7 cm (13 15/16 x 10 7/8 in.). Gift of Holly and James Bogin, 2017.303. Copyrighted.

Matachines, Central Mexico

1973, printed 2014

Danny Lyon

Danny Lyon (American, 1942-)

Photography

Matachines, Central Mexico, 1973, printed 2014. Danny Lyon (American, 1942-). Gelatin silver print; image: 31.7 x 25 cm (12 1/2 x 9 13/16 in.); paper: 35.4 x 27.7 cm (13 15/16 x 10 7/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Holly and James Bogin 2017.303 This surreal image shows a group of Mexican matachines, performers who enact ritual dances usually intended to worship Mary, a saint, Christ, or the Holy Trinity. It was taken by Lyon on one of the many journeys he has made to Mexico. Matachines are found in both North and South American Indigenous cultures. Originating in Europe in the 17th century, matachine originally meant a sword dance performed in elaborate costumes.

Original Source

Maker/Artist: Lyon, Danny
Classification: Photograph
Formatted Medium: gelatin silver print
Medium: gelatin, silver, print
Dimensions: Image: 31.7 x 25 cm (12 1/2 x 9 13/16 in.); Paper: 35.4 x 27.7 cm (13 15/16 x 10 7/8 in.)
Inscribed: Inscription: Written in pencil on verso: “DL7D-63.6” Inscription: Written in pencil on verso: “Danny Lyon (signed)” Inscription: Stamped in black ink on verso: “Printer K (written in pencil)/BLEAK BEAUTY/Picture Date 14 (written in pencil) Print Date 73 (written in pencil)”
Departments: Photography
Accession Number: 2017.303
Credit Line: Gift of Holly and James Bogin
Exhibitions: Julie Mehretu: Portals (FRONT International: Oh, Gods of Dust and Rainbows)
Rights Statement: Copyrighted