Painting of Maria and Julian Martinez Painting Pottery [SOLD]

Romando Vigil (1902-1978) Tse Ye Mu - Falling Cloud was one of the San Ildefonso self-taught artists in the early part of the 20th century. He was a leader within the San Ildefonso Watercolor Movement, a movement that caught fire during 1915 to 1917. It fostered an art form unmatched in the cultural history of the world. These men portrayed tribal culture and local wildlife, attaining a flat decorative character absent of backgrounds and foregrounds and free of traditional perspective, with an unerring color sense. Their success in these presentations was due to their understanding of the ceremonies they painted. They understood the meanings of the symbolism, because they had participated in these ceremonies since childhood.

Romando Vigil was married to Juanita, a sister of Maria Martinez. They were the parents of famous potter Carmelita Dunlap.  As a family member of Maria and Julian, Romando certainly witnessed them making pottery many times.  It is not surprising that he chose to paint them doing so.  He placed an Avanyu over the couple as a blessing and sign of protection.

The painting is signed in lower right but not dated.  It has recently been framed with archival materials.

This painting is illustrated on page 221 of Through Their Eyes—Indian Painting in Santa Fe, 1918-1945 by Michelle McGeough, Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, 2009 

Condition:  appears to be in very good condition.

Provenance: from the Charlotte G. Mittler collection

Recommended Reading: Through Their Eyes—Indian Painting in Santa Fe, 1918-1945 by Michelle McGeough, Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, 2009