Mimbres Animals and Human Figures [SOLD]

Tony Da was first a painter before becoming a potter.  He began using casein paints in the 1950s and painted until he apprenticed to his grandmother, Maria Martinez, in the late 1960s.  After 1972, he did very little painting and became a famous potter.

Tony was enchanted with the art of the Mimbres Indians of New Mexico and many of his paintings reflect that interest.  This painting is an excellent example of such.  On the far left is a seated black human Mimbres figure and on the far right is a seated yellow human Mimbres figure.  In line-drawing style in the center of the painting are an antelope facing left and a buffalo facing right.  Throughout are stick figures as normally seen in petroglyphs.  The background is comprised of irregular-sized squares and the paper is covered in atomized spray.

The painting is signed in lower right and dated 65.

Condition:  excellent original condition.  The painting has just been re-framed using archival materials and museum protective glass.

Provenance:  from the collection of a granddaughter of Adam and Santana Martinez of San Ildefonso Pueblo who inherited the collection of paintings from the Popovi Da Studio.  It has remained in the family until now.

Recommended Reading:  The Life and Art of Tony Da by Charles King