Original Taos Painting titled “The Tortilla Makers” [SOLD]

Little is known about Taos Pueblo painter Sam Martinez.  It is reasonable to infer that he was a contemporary of the group of pioneering artists known as “Three Taos Pueblo Painters.”  These three painters—Albert Lujan, Albert Looking Elk and Juan Mirabal—painted images of their Pueblo in styles that varied greatly from those being developed at neighboring pueblos.  Martinez’s paintings, which were completed on small boards using gouache and oil paints, are notably similar to the works of these artists. His preferred subject, too, was the pueblo, though he focused more on its people than its architecture.  Even his signature—his name, loosely scrawled into the lower corner, along with “Taos Pueblo, NM”—is similar to those used by the Three Taos Pueblo Painters.

This untitled painting, completed with gouache on one of the aforementioned small boards, will appeal to those with an eye for rare and unique pueblo paintings.  It’s a charming image: three women making tortillas. Their blouses, each unique in pattern and color, are a highlight, suggesting that the artist knew and cared for his subjects.  Had he been indifferent about his subjects, these small and endearing details would have been ignored. The perspective from which the viewer sees the women is unique, too, and must have been challenging to the artist.  They’re on their knees, leaning forward, with their faces obscured and their arms outstretched. Martinez executed this undoubtedly complicated position with great skill.

Behind the women are light blue walls.  Underneath them is the soft tan tone of the earth.  Martinez’s composition is kind, peaceful and beautiful.  His affection for his subjects is evident in this graceful and accessible image.  The painting is mounted and framed within a tasteful, wide gold frame.

Condition: this Original Taos Painting titled "The Tortilla Makers" is in original condition
Provenance: from the collection of a New Mexico resident