J.D. Roybal Miniature Pair of Paintings of Pueblo Dancers [SOLD]

This pair of small watercolor paintings was created by J.D. Roybal of San Ildefonso Pueblo. Roybal's work, like that of many peers and predecessors, focuses mostly on pueblo ceremonial scenes. The style in which he depicts his figures is rooted in the traditional "flat" style, but it's most certainly a uniquely evolved variation. Roybal had an eye for the details, and fortunately, he had the technical skills necessary to depict those details.

Roybal created many small, single-figure images like these two paintings during his career, as well as larger, more involved ceremonial dance scenes. With these single-figure images, the viewer is presented with intricately composed figures that would not be possible in larger scenes. Here, we see a Buffalo Dancer and a Koosa Clown performing their ceremonial duties. Razor-thin outlines define beautifully crafted figures, and a large palette of bright colors adds a lively energy. Together, these two dancers serve as a fine example of J.D. Roybal's work.

Each painting is signed J.D. Roybal. They are framed identically using high-quality, archival materials.

José Desiderio "J.D." Roybal (1922-1978), whose Tewa name was Oquwa (Rain God), was a talented painter from San Ildefonso Pueblo. He was born on November 7, 1922 at San Ildefonso, the son of Tonita and Juan Cruz Roybal. He passed away June 28, 1978. He was a nephew of Alfonso Roybal (Awa Tsireh). Clara Lee Tanner's Southwest Indian Painting: a Changing Art provided an apt description of Roybal's style: "J.D. Roybal has painted primarily in the traditional Pueblo style while adding touches that are distinctively his own. For example, in using realistic and symbolic themes together, often he adds a touch of humor." Roybal developed considerable technical abilities, creating intricate pieces with admirable depth and color.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this J.D. Roybal Miniature Pair of Paintings of Pueblo Dancers is from a private East Coast collection

Reference: Southwest Indian Painting: a Changing Art, Clara Lee Tanner

TAGS: San Ildefonso Pueblo, Tonita and Juan Cruz Roybal, Alfonso Roybal - Awa Tsireh, Native American Painting, J.D. Roybal