Original Painting Entitled "Thunder Dance" [SOLD]

A superlative image by Julian Martinez (San Ildefonso Pueblo), one of the premier pueblo painters of the 20th century. This fantastic, evocative, and subtly beautiful image depicts a Deer Dancer in profile, and is executed in gouache on paper. The figure is created in contour with pencil and then wonderfully realized in opaque pigment, with all the traditional accoutrements of the Deer Dance. The prominent headdress frames the coal-black face of the dancer, with feathered embellishments falling to the rear, over the dancer's back and neck. A hand woven cotton sash secures the oversize shirt, with a fine polychromatic dance kilt, embellished yarn/trade bell garters, feathered dance wands, and embellished moccasins completing the ensemble.

A truly wonderful work, in excellent condition with a slight tear at lower left, no staining or apparent foxing of the support. Signed in the image Julian Martinez. Original period frame and mat, note on verso reads “Thunder Dance” Artist - Julian Martinez, Husband of Marie, Potter of San Ildefonso. Circa 1925-35.