Original Casein Painting “Indian Farmer” [R]

Johnnie Quintana, Cochiti Pueblo, is listed in a reference book but with scant information.  It states that he attended the Santa Fe Indian School around 1958 and was exhibited at the Museum of New Mexico, but does not state the time period.  Information on verso of painting is as follows:

1.     ENTRANT’S NAME:  Johnnie Quintana

2.     TEACHER’S NAME: Mrs. Geronoma (sic) Cruz Montoya

3.     SCHOOL: U. S. Indian School, Grade 12

4.     ADDRESS: Santa Fe, New Mexico

5.     TITLE: Indian Farmer

6.     MEDIUM: Painting – casein

The painting illustrates a farmer having opened the sluice gate so water flows to his fields.  A young boy kneels nearby, apparently playing rather than assisting.  The painting is quite detailed with hills in the background, foliage in the foreground, water in the Acequia, birds flying overhead and outlines of clouds.  Quite an accomplishment for a high school student.

The painting is signed in lower center Johnnie Quintana and dated 1957.  It has recently been framed with acid-free materials and placed back in the original frame which appears to be an Indian School handmade frame.

Condition: appears to be in original condition

Provenance: from a gentleman in Santa Fe

Recommended Reading: for a comprehensive understanding of the Santa Fe Indian School art project, see Dunn, Dorothy. American Indian Painting of the Southwest and Plains Areas.  This book is currently not available from Adobe Gallery.