Untitled Original Painting of a Mimbres-Style Fish by Tony Da [SOLD]

Tony Da (1940-2008) Thun-Phoe-She (Sun Dew) was a gifted and influential potter, painter and jeweler from San Ildefonso Pueblo.  His father was Popovi Da and his grandparents were Maria and Julian Martinez. Tony Da’s works are among the most collectible pieces of Native art, and not because of his family name.  Tony Da was an innovative genius, whose natural artistic abilities matched—and, in some areas exceeded—those of his ancestors.

Tony Da’s career was unfortunately sidelined by a motorcycle accident in 1982, when he was just 42 years old.  After the accident, he was unable to continue making the elaborate and beautiful pottery jars, bowls and figurines for which he’d quickly become so well-recognized.  That his potting career was so short—about 15 years—contributes to the very high prices his works command on today’s market. Fortunately for collectors, he did continue painting after the accident.

This untitled casein painting carries a unique historical significance.  It is the first painting Tony Da completed after his accident.  He had just returned to San Ildefonso Pueblo and was living with his family and recovering from his devastating injuries.  Anita Da was so pleased with the piece that she had it framed and kept it for the family. The painting has been in his family since its completion and is now being made available along with a number of other very special items from the Popovi Da Studio and family.

Tony Da was recovering from serious injuries when he created this painting and was unable to rely on the technical abilities that defined his earlier works.  That he was able to complete such a beautiful piece while in such poor physical and mental condition is a testament to the strength of his spirit. With its Mimbres animal figure set in front of a simple, boldly-colored background, it is similar in style to the pieces he made in the early 1970s—before he focused his attention towards potting.  

Within the Mimbres-style fish are a number of symbols seen frequently in San Ildefonso art, including kiva steps, rain clouds, lightning and a sun face.  It is noticeably different, though, from the similarly themed pieces created before his accident. Its design and execution are, of course, much simpler. Its colors—light blues, pale yellows and greens, and a bit of pink—are atypically bold and bright.  Its symbology is not shrouded in elaborate design work but is instead presented in a simple and straightforward manner. This is at once a beautiful artwork and a significant historical document.

It is signed and dated “83” in its lower right corner.

Condition: There are minor water stains near the tail, around the sun face, and on the first fin; and a few small spots on the background.  It is in the original frame chosen by Anita Da.

Provenance: this Untitled Original Painting of a Mimbres-Style Fish by Tony Da is Directly from Anita & Popovi Da’s granddaughter, who was living with the family when it was completed.

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