Original Painting of a Single Antelope Dancer [SOLD]

This is a superlative Original Gouache Painting of a Single Antelope Dancer by Julian Martinez (1885-1943), one of the premier pueblo painters of the early 20th century. This fantastic, evocative, and subtly beautiful image depicts an Antelope Dancer in profile, and is executed in gouache on paper. The figure was created in contour with pencil and then wonderfully realized in opaque pigment, with all the traditional accoutrements of the dancer. 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 polychrome dance kilt, embellished yarn/trade bell garters, feathered dance wands, and embellished moccasins completing the ensemble.

Julian Martinez is most often associated with his wife, Maria Martinez, as the painter of her ceramics from the early 1900s until his death in 1943. He did, however, execute paintings on paper as well. He was one of the very early San Ildefonso self-taught easel artists. His watercolor paintings are not as well-known as his brilliant achievements as the decorator of Maria’s pottery. He was painting watercolors before 1920 and continued as time permitted until his death in 1943.

Condition: good condition. Appears Julian's paint brush hit the paper in two spots depositing some white pigment.

Provenance: from a resident of New Mexico in the process of relocating her residence

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

Photo of Julian Martinez property of Adobe Gallery.  Do not use without permission.  Written on the back of the photograph: 

San Ildefonso Pueblo, NM
Sun 8/23/31
Maria's husband stands beside our car. He was a good natured and a well-mannered fellow. 
Maria is a famous pottery maker. Their work is much in demand. 
I have 4 pieces.

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