San Ildefonso Painting of Doe and Fawn [SOLD]

Maria and Julian Martinez had four sons:  Adam, born in 1903; John in 1915; Popovi Da in 1922; and Phillip in 1925.  There is very little information published on John and Phillip except a few statements made by Maria, published in Spivey's book.

Maria stated "John liked to study.  John liked to look at books and study and read and go to school.  He was the one that went to Stanford to school.  And he was a football player.  And I said to him, 'That play I don't like.  I see so many get hurt.  Here they come bleeding.'  And he said, 'No, Mother.  I take care of myself.'  That was John."  Spivey

John was in the Army during World War II and so was his brother Phillip.  According to Maria, John went to a military school in Atlanta, Georgia, and he was there for two or three years.  There seems to be no other information on John, as to what he did after the war or when he passed away.

Our records show that we have had only one other painting by John and that was in 2002.  They appear to be very rare.

This painting is an excellent one.  The lines are fine and the colors were brilliant selections.  The animals are beautifully rendered in simple but elegant style.  John obviously was a talented artist who must have painted for relaxation and not as a career.  I imagine his Stanford education determined his career path.

Condition:  appears to be in original condition.  It is framed using acid-free materials and a new wood frame.

Provenance:  from a resident of Santa Fe

Recommended Reading:  The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez by Richard L. Spivey