Sculptor Felipe Castañeda, born in Michoacán, México in 1933, began his career as an assistant to famed sculptor Francisco Zuñiga at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City in the early 1960s. A fast learner, Castañeda started with drawings and sketches, quickly developed his own style of sculpture, began receiving critical acclaim, and by the early 1970s was a frequent exhibitor at international shows. Concentrating on the female form and working mostly in marble, bronze, and onyx, Castañeda combined the pre-Columbian influences of his native Mexico with traditional and modern poses, sculpting women in natural postures, often portraying reflective, pensive moods. This sculpture, “Lejania,” is one of Castaneda’s bronze pieces, measuring approximately 12” x 7-3/4” x 10-1/2” and signed F. Castaneda 1999 II/VII. Like most of his works, this piece has a heavy surface patina. Old paper gallery tag with information is present on the underside, Certificate of Authenticity included from gallery circa 2003.