Painting titled “Foot Racer by Juan Taos Pueblo”

This painting by Taos Pueblo artist Juan W. Mirabal (1903-1970) captures a single participant in the traditional San Geronimo Feast Day ceremonies, held annually. The painting depicts a foot racer participating in the early morning race held on September 30th during the San Geronimo Feast Day.

While appearing to be a sporting event, the race is a highly significant ceremonial event, not a modern competition. The runner is shown in elaborate dress, which is appropriate for the Feast Day. Old photographs confirm that all racers and residents of the Pueblo traditionally wear beautiful, ceremonial attire for the event, underscoring its spiritual importance over simple athleticism.

For visual context, a remarkable 1880s photograph of the foot race by Dana B. Chase is available in the University of New Mexico Digital Collections. This link will allow you to view the photograph and will take you to another website:  Feast day foot race, Taos Pueblo, New Mexico - Palace of the Governors Photo Archives Collection

Juan W. Mirabal was a crucial member of the group known today as the Three Taos Pueblo Painters (along with Albert Lujan and Albert Looking Elk Martinez): These artists were pioneering figures in the early 1900s, notable for adopting a realistic, three-dimensional Euro-American painting style, focusing largely on landscapes and the architecture of Taos Pueblo.

Among the three, Mirabal was known for his greater willingness to experiment. While proficient in the realistic style, he also produced works closer to the "flat style" favored by artists at neighboring pueblos, demonstrating a versatile command of different aesthetics.

Taos Pueblo warmly welcomes visitors to witness and share in the San Geronimo Feast Day ceremonies on September 30th each year, where the traditional foot race marks the start of ceremonies that continue throughout the day.

Condition: According to the owner, who recently had it framed, the painting has no damage under the mat

Provenance: this Painting titled "Foot Racer by Juan Taos Pueblo" is from a client of Adobe Gallery

Recommended Reading: American Indian Painting of the Southwest and Plains Areas by Dorothy Dunn, 1968

TAGS: Native American Paintings, Taos Pueblo, Santa Fe, Albert Lujan, Albert Looking Elk Martinez, Juan Mirabal