“How El Capitan Grew” by Harry Fonseca [SOLD]

"How El Capitan Grew" is an original drawing by Maidu artist Harry Fonseca. It is reproduced in "Legends of the Yosemite Miwok," a book by Frank LaPena, Steven P. Medley, and Craig D. Bates that was published in 1993. "Legends..." compiles Yosemite Miwok history and mythology and presents it alongside illustrations by Fonseca.

With this piece, Fonseca offers a depiction of three bears—one adult and two cubs—standing atop El Capitan, a spectacular rock formation in Yosemite National Park. The bears look out from the edge of the 3,000-foot granite cliff toward a smaller rock formation, through which a waterfall pours. Up above, a yellow midday sun shines brightly. Fonseca's work here is gentle and beautiful, depicting potentially intimidating elements and figures in a manner that highlights their inherent peace and beauty.

The drawing is signed in lower left with the artist's HF symbol. It is framed under plexi and a wide off-white mat in a simple wood frame. A copy of the book for which this image was drawn is included with the drawing.

Harry Fonseca (1946-2006) was an artist of Portuguese, Hawaiian and Nisenan-Maidu descent. He was born January 5, 1946, in Sacramento, California and was raised in Bryte, California. Fonseca attended local schools including California State University, in Sacramento, where he majored in fine art with emphasis on "primitive" styles and forms. Fonseca drew from a deep well of influences—his own heritage, symbols and imagery from various Native peoples, the natural world, the California Gold Rush, religious and mythological imagery—while developing a unique style that remains highly desirable to collectors. Fonseca received much acclaim and recognition during his career and continues to do so since his passing in 2006.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this painting titled "How El Capitan Grew" by Harry Fonseca is from the collection of a Dr. Lowell Bean, a notable California-based anthropologist, professor, and writer.

Reference: Artist's website (www.harryfonseca.com)

TAGS: Maidu, fine art, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harry Fonseca