J.D. Roybal Original Painting of Elaborate Ceremonial Pueblo Scene [SOLD]

This excellent original painting was created by J.D. Roybal of San Ildefonso Pueblo. For this image, Roybal crafted sixteen figures in total. They’re arranged in eight pairs, which alternate male and female. They dance across a large rectangular form, within which a variety of symbolic designs and decorative geometric patterns interlock with one another. Up above, a stylish combination of elements joins forces to bring water to the proceedings.

Roybal’s work here is fantastic. Each of the sixteen figures received an incredible amount of attention. Roybal is known for this sort of incredible detail, but this is a standout example. His razor-thin outlines are just about perfect, even as they form the smallest, most challenging elements. Tiny, clasped hands and thick clusters of feathers are every bit as sharp as larger forms like faces and dance kilts, which makes the piece a true delight to explore. Roybal’s color choices lean toward the bold and bright, which again is typical of his work but always worth noting. His carefully shaded applications of these bright colors create depth and texture, which gives the viewer even more to appreciate. This is an excellent example of J.D. Roybal’s work.

The painting is signed J.D. Roybal in lower right.  It is framed beautifully in high-quality materials, with an elaborately carved frame.

José Disiderio “J. D.” Roybal (1922-1978) Oquwa - “Rain God” was a talented and accomplished painter from San Ildefonso Pueblo.  He is best known for his colorful and detailed depictions of San Ildefonso ceremonial rituals. He was a prolific artist, producing many small, single-figure pieces for sale.  Most of these works—in keeping with the “flat” style favored by Pueblo painters of the time—contain no background or ground plane. Roybal painted a bit during his youth but became much more productive during the 1950s.  He exhibited and sold his works most frequently and successfully during the 1960s.  He was the nephew of early San Ildefonso painter Awa Tsireh.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this J.D. Roybal Original Painting of Elaborate Ceremonial Pueblo Scene is from a private California collection

Recommended Reading: Clara Lee Tanner.  Southwest Indian Painting: a Changing Art

Relative Links: San Ildefonso Pueblo, Tonita and Juan Cruz Roybal, Alfonso Roybal - Awa Tsireh, painting, Tewa, J.D. Roybal, San Ildefonso Pueblo Painter