Pablita Velarde Mineral Earth Painting of Pueblo Deer Dancer [SOLD]

This original painting of a Pueblo Deer Dancer was created by Pablita Velarde of Santa Clara Pueblo. Velarde painted many images like this one during her long career, usually using either the tall format seen here or a smaller version which was similar in width but only about a foot in height. She’d place a single ceremonial dancer over a patterned background, almost always in mineral earth pigments of her own making.

This piece, which features a Pueblo Deer Dancer, is a particularly well-executed example of Velarde’s preferred style. The dancer’s clothing, headdress, and paraphernalia are depicted in great detail. His face is alluring, and his movements will feel realistic to those who have had the opportunity to witness the dance in person. The most notable characteristic of the piece, though, is the rich coloration of the paints. We’ve seen many works in this style, and they’re always good, but this piece excels in that regard. Velarde’s earthy palette of mineral paints is enhanced in certain areas by what appears to be mica. The brown form that floats directly behind the dancer has the same coloration and subtle sparkle as micaceous clay pottery, enhancing the already rich texture of the paints.

The painting is signed Pablita Velarde in lower right. It is framed in a wood frame with a brown mat.

Pablita Velarde (1918-2006) Tse Tsan - Golden Dawn was an innovative and influential artist from Santa Clara Pueblo.  Velarde was the first full-time female student in Dorothy Dunn's art class at the Santa Fe Indian School, where she studied alongside Tonita Peña.  These two women are regarded as the first Native American women to support themselves as painters, but it’s not just because of this that they are remembered so fondly.  It’s because of the quality of their works that they have remained so visible in the many years since they have passed. Velarde’s works are included in many prominent public and private collections. Velarde passed away in 2006.

Condition: excellent condition, with a few minor discolorations

Provenance: this Pablita Velarde Mineral Earth Painting of Pueblo Deer Dancer is from a private collection

Recommended Reading: PABLITA VELARDE Painting Her People by Marcella Ruch