Julian Martinez, "Big Horn Sheep Dancer"

Julián Martinez, Po-ca-no (Coming of the Spirits) (1879 - 1943) - from San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico, collaborated with his wife, Maria Martinez, painting traditional designs on her famous black-on-black pottery. He also made paintings of ceremonial dances and classical Pueblo designs on paper. It’s thought that he began painting in 1920. HIs paintings are becoming more and more sought after as classic Pueblo paintings. Other members of San Ildefonso Self-taught group of painters include Alfonso Roybal, Tonita Pena, Abel Sanchez, Crecencio Martinez and Encarnacion Pena. He was the father of Tony Martinez (Popovi Da), also a well known Pueblo artist.

This painting shows The Big Horn Sheep Dancer in traditional San Ildefonso deer dance costume using sticks in each hand to create the look of a four-legged animal as it walks into the plaza of the pueblo, the crocheted cotton leggings show that this is a winter time ceremony; Gouache, watercolor and pencil on paper, 6 ¼ x 9 ¾ inches, 12 x 15 inches framed, signed “Julian Martinez” lower right