Eduardo Kingman (Ecuadorian, 1913-1997)

Paintings

Who is painter Eduardo Kingman?

Known as “the painter of hands” Eduardo Kingman was an Ecuadorian painter whose work often depicted his fellow Ecuadorians in bright, vibrant stylized portraits. Kingman was also a social activist and author who wove the stories of Ecuador’s indigenous people (and their integration into modern society) into his works across all disciplines. Kingman first became popular in the US in 1939 when he was an assistant in decorating the Ecuadorian Pavilion during the New York World’s Fair.

Kingman enjoyed the respect of his peers and academics which led to him taking a job as the principal professor at Quito’s Escuela de Bellas Artes in his native country. He would hold that title for over two decades. He founded the influential Ecuadorian art gallery, Caspicara Gallery in Quito. Kingman’s art became extremely popular in the mid-twentieth century, leading his work to be exhibited at galleries and museums across the world -- from Mexico City to Paris. At the end of his artistic career, he mounted a one-man exhibition that was featured in the United Nations Building in New York City.

What kind of art does Eduardo Kingman make?

Eduardo Kingman was a painter who primarily painted portraits of his fellow Ecuadorians. These paintings were full of life and subtext, popular because of their bright tones and vibrant, rich colors. Kingman was known as “the painter of hands” in Ecuador. His work often had undertones of political and social discourse, mainly surrounding the treatment of Ecuador’s indigenous people. That theme carried itself through lithographies, woodcuts, and - most notably - Kingman’s paintings. In addition to all this, Kingman became famous for teaching the next generation of great Ecuadorian artists -- his post as the primary professor at Quito’s Escuela de Bellas Artes lasted for twenty years.

How did painter Eduardo Kingman get started?

Eduardo Kingman was born on February 23rd, 1913 in Loja, Ecuador. Kingman’s father was an ex-pat, having moved his family from Newton, Connecticut just a few years before Eduardo was born. Kingman first studied under Victor Mideros during a stint at Escuela de Bellas Artes -- where Kingman would teach in his adult years. He spent the next few years traveling and studying techniques across the world, from Venezuela all the way to a year at the San Francisco Art Institute in 1945. Kingman’s work was introduced to American audiences at the New York World’s Fair when he assisted Camilo Egas with providing paintings and decorations for the Ecuadorian Pavilion.

How much are Eduardo Kingman paintings worth?

Eduardo Kingman paintings can range from $1,500 to over $100,000 depending on the scale and importance of the work. The most ever paid for an Eduardo Kingman painting at auction is $104,500 for the piece Sin Titulo (1941) which sold for $104,500. This was 74% over the initial high estimate. The most ever paid for an Eduardo Kingman painting at a Heritage Auction is $41,825 for the piece Arpista (1963) which sold on June 3rd, 2009. Heritage Auction has sold several pieces of art by Eduardo Kingman for $20,000 or more.

Where to buy Eduardo Kingman paintings for sale?

See works for sale below. Why buy from Heritage? Art buyers feel confident because our experts know the market and put careful valuations on artwork for sale. We make the bidding process easier to help you expand your art collection.

How to value Eduardo Kingman paintings?

The best way to value art is to compare past auction prices for similar works. View past sale prices below. When you’re ready to sell, contact Heritage Auctions to request an auction estimate of the likely selling price at auction. If you need a formal written appraisal for estate planning or insurance, please contact our Appraisal Services Department.