Original Painting of San Ildefonso Antelope Dancer Pair by Romando Vigil

San Ildefonso Pueblo artist Romando Vigil created a unique depiction of two Antelope Dancers in this painting, placing them in poses rarely seen in such artworks. One dancer kneels in the foreground with his arms extended forward, while the other stands further back in a traditional dance pose. A pair of evergreen trees emerges from the ground between them, and an intricate rainbow arcs above.

The Animal Dance features Deer, Antelope, Ram, and Buffalo Dancers, with adult males typically representing the Deer, Rams, and Buffalo, and younger boys embodying the Antelope. The kneeling Antelope Dancer here captures the playful energy of a young boy.

Signed by Romando Vigil, San Ildefonso Pueblo Painter, this artwork reflects the legacy of Vigil (1902-1978), also known as Tse Ye Mu, or "Falling Cloud." Vigil was a self-taught pioneer of the San Ildefonso Watercolor Movement, a groundbreaking art style that emerged between 1915 and 1917. This movement brought forth a distinctive style of flat, decorative imagery that lacked background or foreground, eschewed traditional perspective, and exhibited vibrant color choices. The success of this style was deeply rooted in the artists' intimate knowledge of ceremonial symbolism, shaped by their participation in these traditions from childhood.

Condition: very good condition.  The painting is signed in lower right but is very difficult to see.

Provenance:  this Original Painting of San Ildefonso Antelope Dancer Pair by Romando Vigil is from a client in New York who purchased it from Babbitt’s at its San Ildefonso Pueblo Gallery many years ago.

Recommended Reading:  Modern by Tradition: American Indian Painting in the Studio Style by Bruce Bernstein

TAGS: Native American Painting, San Ildefonso Pueblo, Santa Fe, Carmelita Dunlap, Maria Martinez, Romando Vigil (1902-1978) Tse Ye Mu - Falling Cloud