San Ildefonso Pueblo Painting “Thunderbird Ascending” by Opa Mu Nu [SOLD]

This original painting of a stylized thunderbird by San Ildefonso Pueblo artist Richard Martinez stands apart from the traditional pueblo paintings we often have in the gallery. While Martinez is considered one of the early Pueblo painters, his work differs significantly from his contemporaries in that he focused largely on mythological imagery. This particular piece—a stylized thunderbird within a circular design—is a perfect example. Painted in tempera on black paper, the thunderbird is beautifully rendered, with stacked rain clouds floating above its head and kiva step designs extending from the surrounding circle. Martinez's style here is simple and minimal, yet highly effective. His subdued color palette complements the stark black background, creating a striking, unique composition that will appeal to collectors of one-of-a-kind Pueblo paintings.

The painting is signed Richard Martinez in the lower right corner. On the verso, a pencil notation reads Ind. 36, similar to a previous listing marked Ind. 35, which came from the collection of Dr. Bertha Dutton. Dr. Dutton's name and address are also stamped on the back of the matting. The artwork is framed with a textured wood frame.

Richard Martinez (1904-1987), known as Opa Mu Nu, was an artist from San Ildefonso Pueblo. He began painting as early as 1920 and continued well into the 1950s, focusing on mythological and ceremonial subjects. According to James Bialac, as noted in Tanner (1973) and Snodgrass, Martinez was no longer painting by the late 1960s or early 1970s. Clara Lee Tanner (1977) observed that Martinez "favored mythological and ceremonial subjects," suggesting he was deeply knowledgeable of his people's lore. Martinez was influenced by Awa Tsireh and worked across his three styles, blending realism with abstract themes, which allowed his vivid imagination to flourish.

Condition: this San Ildefonso Pueblo Painting "Thunderbird Ascending" by Opa Mu Nu is in excellent condition overall. A small, darkened crease is present in the lower right corner, just above the artist's signature, but it lies outside the main image. There is also very minor fading from previous matting, though it remains quite subtle and does not detract from the artwork's appearance.

Provenance:

- ex. coll. Dr. Bertha P. Dutton;

- ex. coll. Ray and Judy Dewey;

- from an experienced collector in Texas

Recommended Reading:  Southwest Indian Painting: A Changing Art by Clara Lee Tanner

TAGS: San Ildefonso Pueblo, painting, Richard Martinez