Francis Luis Mora (American, 1874-1940) Prayer of the Women, The Red Cross Magazine frontispiece, December 1918 Oil on canvas laid on board 41-1/2 x 30 inches (105.4 x 76.2 cm) Signed lower left: F. Luis Mora Property from the Collection of Grapefruit Moon Gallery PROVENANCE: Previously from the Estate of Charles Martignette. Prayer of the Women, created as the frontispiece for The Red Cross Magazine in December 1918 captures the somber hope and fortitude that was being asked of Americans in the closing months of World War I. This powerful piece depicts a pair of women kneeling beneath a Red Cross Angel, who floats above them, and apart from the conflict. Mora, born in Uruguay, was the first Hispanic member of the National Academy of Design, and is known for his ability to blend a range of styles, from academic realism to more impressionistic approaches, reflecting his deep engagement with American and European art traditions. That breadth of influence and understanding is apparent in this subtle and rich piece. The art was created with space for Sara Teasdale's haunting poem to be added in the pages of the magazine. The text has been added to this work as a removable overlay of clear transparent plastic to align with how this appeared in print. HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved