Adobe Gallery Blog

It can be said that Tomás Vigil's was of the style of most early 20th 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.

Pan-yo-Pin (1889-1960), as he signed his paintings, 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 painting is typical of the style painted by several Tewa Indians, especially Julián Martinez and others of that time. The Indian appears more Plains Indian than Pueblo Indian. Perhaps it's the feathers in the hair and on the horse's mane and the face paint, neither of which one associates with Pueblo men.

Condition: appears to be in original condition although it has not been examined out of the frame.
Provenance: from the collection of a Santa Fe resident
Recommended Reading: Modern by Tradition: American Indian Painting in the Studio Style by Bruce Bernstein, et al

Title: Tesuque Pueblo Original Painting of an Indian on Horseback
Artist:Tomás Vigil (1889-1960) Pan-Yo-Pin
Category: Paintings
Origin: Tesuque Pueblo
Medium: watercolor
Size: 11-1/4" x 9-1/4" image; 14-7/8" x 12-7/8" framed
Item # C3342A