Untitled – Female Figure Standing on Crescent Moon [SOLD]

It is most interesting to see a painting of this subject matter by Tony Abeyta, as much of his earlier work was devoted to Navajo religious or ceremonial subjects, particularly involving the Yei and Yeibichai Navajo supernatural beings.  This painting can be interpreted as representing the Virgin Mary - mother of Jesus.

Many paintings of the various representation of Mary—Our Lady of Guadalupe, Nuestra Senora de la Conception, and others—have Mary standing on a crescent moon, a symbol of Islam, a symbol that has been carried historically on the flags of many Muslim armies throughout history. That the moon beneath her feet has at times taken the shape of the crescent serves as a reminder of her intercessions against Islam.  She is connected to the Spanish Reconquista and their ultimate defeat of the centuries-long Islamic invasion of their homeland.  1P5-1Peter5 website

Abeyta has rendered Mary in a variety of colors which brings her forward from the dark brown background.  There are crosses or stars imposed on the background.  The oil paints were layered in thick applications as if with palette knife.  The contrast of colors makes a strong presentation.

The painting is signed by the artist on verso and dated 1994.  It is matted with a linen covered board and framed in a gold-tinted wood frame.  This is the original framing as indicated by the artist’s signature on the back of the framing as well as on the back of the canvas.

Condition: original condition

Recommended Reading:  100 Artists of the Southwest by Douglas Bullis. This hardback book is an excellent resource for reading about and seeing art by 100 Southwest artists—both Indian and non-Indian. Tony Abeyta is included. It is currently not available from Adobe Gallery.