Original Painting of Skunk and Bison Encounter [SOLD]

Like many of his San Ildefonso contemporaries, Julian Martinez’s most common subject was the pueblo dancer.  Martinez usually painted single figure scenes, using outlines that were thinner than those preferred by his peers.  The most noteworthy characteristic of his paintings is his striking use of color—Martinez’s compositions are anchored by simple, beautiful watercolors that remain full of life almost 100 years after being put to paper.
 
This piece is unusual in that its subject is not a pueblo dancer, but an encounter between a skunk and a bison.  The scene is at once intense and playful.  The skunk, mouth agape, appears to be backing away from his aggressor.  The wild-eyed bison, leaning back on his hind legs, may be preparing to attack the skunk.  It also may be recoiling in fear of the skunk’s spray.  We’ll never know which animal prevailed.

The upper right corner contains brown rain clouds, a design that Martinez used when painting Maria Martinez’s pottery.  Bright blue raindrops and a red and yellow lightning bolt pour forth from the clouds, which sit below a blue and orange kiva step design.  Instead of being placed in the center and facing down, Martinez placed the image in the corner, facing diagonally towards the skunk and bison.

Martinez’s watercolors are, as always, striking in their depth and texture.  The blue raindrops and the bison’s brown fur are particularly rich and beautiful.  This is a rare and unique piece both in its subject matter and its quality.  

Condition: appears to be in original condition

Provenance: this Original Painting of Skunk and Bison Encounter is from a gentleman in Santa Fe

Recommended Reading: Pueblo Indian Painting: Tradition and Modernism in New Mexico, 1900-1930 by J. J. Brody, et al