Tesuque Pueblo Original Painting of a Snake Dancer [SOLD]

It can be said that Tomás Vigil (Pan-Yo-Pin - Summer Mountain) was of the style of most early 20^th century pueblo paintings—that is it was simple, two-dimensional painting. He outlined his intention in pencil before beginning to paint. His colors are strong and show much contrast. His figures generally show considerable action.

He signed his paintings with this name Pan-yo-Pin (1889-1960).  He was from Tesuque Pueblo and passed away before the resurgence in Native art occurred in the 1960s, with strong interest witnessed in the 1980s and again in 2005.  This interest continues today but works of many artists who passed away around the mid-20th century are not often seen because many of those purchases were not considered important and were not sufficiently protected.  Fortunately, this one by Pan-yo-Pin survived.

This Snake Dancer is a very nice example of his work. The figure is in active motion and the colors are strong and bold, very typical of his painting style.  It is one of the finest of his and is in original excellent condition judging by what can be seen through the glass. It has not been examined out of frame. It is framed with acid-free matting and a very nice wood frame.

Interestingly, the painting was signed in pencil and enhanced with ink.  It is signed Thomas Vigil Tesuque.  The pencil signature is still visible.

Provenance: from the collection of a gentleman from California

Recommended Reading:  Modern by Tradition: American Indian Painting in the Studio Style by Bruce Bernstein, et al