ANTONIO BERNI (Argentinian 1905-1981) A PAINTING, "Juanito y sus Amigos en Villa Piolín," 1960, tempera on pressed pulpboard, signed and dated L/R, verso a paper label, accompanied by a black and white photograph certificate of authenticity, signed. 29 1/2" x 23 1/2" Note: Antonio Berni was known best for cultural observation and social commentary in his artworks. Here he paints a fictional character Juanito Laguna, a young boy living in the slums of Argentina. Exploring evidence of poverty and social injustice, the present work captures a moment in time. The historic Villa Piolín neighborhood's name changed in the 1960s; the present painting preserving cultural and social dynamics of the historic area.The present work is accompanied by a black and white photograph, the verso stamped, "Certificado de Autenticidad, Galeria del Mar/Centro Integral de Arte, Mar del Plata, Argentina," and signed in blue ink pen by the artist, "Antonio Berni." A secondary ephemera provided is printed in grey ink, retaining the Sotheby's letterhead on cream laid paper. A letter signed by Sotheby's consultant Ann Horton documents a proposed auction estimate, proposed on February 20, 1994, of $300,000-$325,000 with personal invitation to consign in the next Latin American sale. Provenance: Christie's New York, Rockefeller Center, Latin American Art, November 24, 2014, lot 25, sold $125,000; Pablo Goebel Fine Arts, Mexico D.F., Mexico; Galleria Del Mar/ Centro Integral de Arte, Mar de Plata, Argentina.