“Deer in the Sun” by Helen Hardin [SOLD]

This unusually small painting by Helen Hardin of Santa Clara Pueblo, measuring 10" in height and 7" in width (13" x 10" with the original frame), captivates with its intricate design and signature precision. Painted on panel and signed Tsa-sah-wee-eh on both the front and back, the piece showcases Hardin's trademark fine line work and is in pristine condition.

The composition is laid out in distinct panels, drawing inspiration from Pueblo pottery. The top, three times larger than the lower, features a deer set against a bold, earthy orange sun—an emblematic motif in Hardin's body of art. The lower panel depicts two smaller deer facing each other, creating a balanced visual dialogue. The deer figures are influenced by the Mimbres animal designs that shaped Hardin's work throughout her career. The sun's rich orange hue is mirrored in the original frame, creating a cohesive warmth, while the speckled background—a signature of many of Hardin's works—adds texture and depth. The painting is mounted on a dark gray burlap mat, further enhancing the composition's depth and grounding its vibrant energy.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this original painting titled "Deer in the Sun" by Helen Hardin is from a collector in Albuquerque

Recommended Reading: Changing Woman: The Life and Art of Helen Hardin by Jay Scott

TAGS: Santa Clara Pueblo, Pablita Velarde, Native American Prints, Native American Paintings, Helen Hardin, Santa Clara Pueblo Painter, Southwest Indian Pottery