Original Cochiti Pueblo Painting of a Deer Dancer [SOLD]

Joe Herrera was born at Cochiti Pueblo into a rich art inheritance through his father’s pueblo of Cochiti and his mother’s pueblo of San Ildefonso and was painting before he entered the Indian School in Santa Fe. His mother, Tonita Peña (QuahAh) gave him thorough training in art techniques.

According to Clara Lee Tanner, “Herrera developed three outstanding traits which are reflected in his work—one in which there is a perfectly delineated single dance figure, the second a dance group, and third an abstract style utilizing native designs. In his execution of the group and single dance figures, there is no competitor for perfection. Often he has used a colored paper to complement the tones in which his subjects are painted. He further enhances the excellent color contrasts by doing very fine work.”

Every accolade stated by Tanner is evident in this very fine painting of a Pueblo Deer Dancer by Herrera, even to the use of colored paper as a contrasting medium. The pastel colors chosen are soft and strong simultaneously. The detail executed in the finely rendered clothing is typical of Herrera’s perfection in his work. This is a fine example of his earlier work before he ventured into abstract painting. The painting is signed lower right but not dated. It is in original excellent condition.

The painting has been framed using acid-free materials and museum protective glass and a beautiful simple stepped frame of complimentary color. It is a companion piece to another painting by Herrera which is our item number 25350.