Black-on-black Plate with Avanyu Signed Marie / Santana [R]

Maria and Julian had four sons: Adam, John, Popovi Da, and Philip.  Adam’s wife was Santana and it was she who worked with Maria following the death of Julián in 1943.  There are two periods of pottery that were collaborated by Maria and Santana.  The earlier ones were signed Marie & Santana and that period lasted from Julian’s death in 1943 until 1956, at which time Popovi Da replaced Santana and helped his mom.  Maria did not immediately stop working with Santana when she began working with Popovi but did continue on and off for a few more years.  Those pieces are signed Maria & Santana. This plate is signed Marie & Santana, the earlier signature, indicating that it was made from mid-1940s to mid-1950s.  Maria made the plate and Santana decorated it with an Avanyu, one of the favorite designs of Julian. 

Condition: very good condition with a minor scratch or two

Provenance: from an estate in Albuquerque

Recommended Reading:  The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez by Richard Spivey