Gilbert Duran (San Antonio, Texas, 1947-2023), "Silvas, Capitan de Guerra" 1998, oil on canvas size: 60 x 48 in. Artist's note: This is my interpretation of a Tigua war Captain-- a warrior of strength and integrity. Silvas was elected by his people for life to be the protector of the sacred drum and relics of the tribe. However, the evils of money and greed among the new Tigua tribal government banished Silvas from the tribe. He was forced to hide the drum in order to protect the sacred traditions. For his commitment, I dedicate the painting toe the courageous warrior and the sacred drum of the Tigua tribe.  Provenance: Property from the Southtown San Antonio, Texas studio of noted artist Gilbert Duran Gilbert Duran (1947-2023) was a celebrated artist first known for his watercolor renditions of South Texas wildlife and Texas ranch scenes, and later for vivid oil paintings of South Texas and Latin themes, most famously depicting Frida Kahlo holding a margarita ('Frida Margarita'), an image which has been widely copied and displayed throughout Texas and beyond. Duran worked for many years out of his Southtown San Antonio, Texas live / work studio, Duran Arte, producing strikingly original canvases as well as sculpture and commissioned work. Many of Duran's key works were displayed in prominent San Antonio restaurants including Rosario's and Soluna, and have been shown at the Smithsonian Museo Alameda, and added to private collections including that of Guadalupe Rivera Marin, daughter of Kahlo’s husband Diego Rivera. Duran's impressive legacy as one of San Antonio's outstanding artists continues to grow as pieces begin to come to market at auction houses and galleries throughout the Southwest.