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American Treasures at the Fenimore Art Museum

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Record 48/116
Copyright New York State Historical Association and/or The Farmers' Museum, Inc.
Object ID N0150.1971
Title Old Island Days, "Peace with Tranquility"
Artist Sanchez, Mario
Object Name Painting
Early Date 1955
Late Date 1965
Exhibit label line3 This scene, set on Olivia Street on the island of Key West, Florida, shows the typical homes, businesses, and street life found in the cigar-making communities that proliferated there during the second half of the 19th century. The dominant factory in the neighborhood depicted here was the Eduardo H. Gato factory. It, and others, served to make Key West the largest producer of U.S. cigars in 1890.

Since the 1930s, Mario Sanchez (whose family was associated with cigar making) has documented a style of urban life that existed between 1890 and 1910 in this Key West community where he grew up. Using a bas-relief carving technique, Sanchez documented the island's unique culture of mixed white-black-Cuban heritage, specific local characters, distinctive architecture, and a style of urban life now lost.
Description Marks: Front lower right corner: "Old Island Days "Peace with Tranquillity"/Mario Sanchez/on back: Old Island Days/Peace with Tranquillity/Mario Sanchez"
Dimensions H-15 W-24 inches
Material Painted wood bas-relief
Place of Origin Key West, FL

Prior written permission is required for any reproduction, redistribution, publication, or other use of the images in any media, including but not limited to, printed or electronic media. Contact the Office of the Registrar, New York State Historical Association, PO Box 800, Cooperstown, NY 13326, (607) 547-1444, to request permission.    
Last modified on: November 04, 2005