“Rose from Swan Lake” by Harry Fonseca [SOLD]

"Rose from Swan Lake" is an original mixed media piece by Maidu artist Harry Fonseca. In 1979, Fonseca began his Coyote series, which would produce some of his most iconic images. The coyote has strong historical ties to many Indian traditions and is ubiquitous among the tribes. Known as the "trickster," his acknowledged purpose has been to provide levity, to create balance with all the serious tradition, to help let off a little steam and bring everything into focus. Fonseca has wonderfully elaborated on this historical character. He has blown him up to larger-than-life-size, dressed him in the flashy garb of modern "cool," added stylized touches and placed him in familiar settings of modern times. According to the artist's website, "Coyote becomes an alembic through which Fonseca filters his vision of the artist, and the Indian, in society."

With "Rose from Swan Lake," Fonseca offered a ballet dancer coyote in soft blue, pink and white tones. The primary figure was cut from thick paper, painted, and attached to a larger rectangular piece of paper, which was adorned with a variety of complementary colors. Some sort of sparkly transparent material appears over much of the coyote and the background, adding an additional dimension to the beautiful scene.

The painting is signed near lower left with the artist's HF symbol. It is mounted with the entire paper exposed, under plexi in a thin metal frame.

Harry Fonseca (1946-2006) was an artist of Portuguese, Hawaiian and Nisenan-Maidu descent. He was born January 5, 1946, in Sacramento, California, and was raised in Bryte, California. Fonseca attended local schools including California State University, in Sacramento, where he majored in fine art with emphasis on "primitive" styles and forms. Fonseca drew from a deep well of influences—his own heritage, symbols and imagery from various Native peoples, the natural world, the California Gold Rush, religious and mythological imagery—while developing a unique style that remains highly desirable to collectors. Fonseca received much acclaim and recognition during his career and continues to do so since his passing in 2006.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: "Rose from Swan Lake" by Harry Fonseca is from the collection of Dr. Lowell Bean, a notable California-based anthropologist, professor, and writer.

Reference: Artist's website (www.harryfonseca.com)

TAGS: Maidu, fine art, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harry Fonseca