Black-on-black Plate with Feather Design signed Marie / Santana [SOLD]

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 Julian 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, which would place it in the 60+ years of age.  Maria made the plate and Santana decorated it with 37 individual feathers fanned out in a circle.  The area near the rim has a pair of framing lines.  The back side of the plate is in matte finish and signed with the names of both artists.

Condition: very good condition with no noticeable flaws or damage

Provenance: from the collection of a family from Pennsylvania

Reference and Recommended Reading: The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez by Richard L. Spivey, 2003