Hand-Tinted Roberto Eichenberger Gelatin Silver Photograph of an Outdoor Scene in Guatemala, Circa 1930s. The image draws the viewer into an active scene of daily life in Chichicastenango, Guatemala in the 30s. In the background are several white-washed adobe structures with tile roofs, rolling hills and a dense forest. The foreground fills the lower half of the image with what appears to be a town square or market bustling with activity. A small fire obscures some of the figures within its smoke. One figure at the center of the image seems to be keenly aware of the photographer capturing the scene. The photograph was produced in black and white and then beautifully hand-tinted in shades of green for the foliage, reds and pinks for the majority of the clothing. A single figure obscured by smoke is dressed in a vibrant blue. Mounted on black paper with a textured cream mat. Signed “Eichenberger” in the lower right in pen and titled “Chichica/tenango-” in the lower left. Framed in a minimal painted wood frame with vibrant orange accent.

Roberto Eichenberger was a Guatemalan Impressionist & Modern artist who was born in 1902. He attended the Agfa Photo Schüle in Berlin in the 1920s. After returning to Guatemala, he became regarded for his photographs of its people and culture. Eichenberger also freelanced for National Geographic Magazine and was known for his contribution to the real photo and post card industry of Latin America. His wife, Mary Nicol Eichenberger, was believed to have been responsible for the hand-tinting of his photographs. His large signed photographs are extremely rare.

Condition: Great vintage condition with minimal wear to the central image. The photograph itself remains vibrant and strong, with hand-tinted colors intact. The signature and title are crisp and clear. The paper mat shows light signs of color variation and areas of foxing mainly concentrated towards the lower half. The original frame shows heavier signs of wear with areas of paint loss and rubbing. We have chosen to leave this piece in all-original condition to preserve its history.

Specs: 15 3/4” H | 12 3/4” W | 3/4” Frame Depth | Photo - 9 5/8” H | 7 1/2” W