Da, Tony – Original Pen & Ink Painting of Maria Martinez

9.5" x 12.5" image 19.5" x 23.75" framed

$ 12,500.00

Tony Da is a name synonymous with innovative pottery and paintings.  However, before he became famous for his pottery he began drawing in the 1960’s.  He was the son of noted potter Popovi Da and the grandson of Maria Martinez.  This is one of about five pen and ink drawings that he did early in his career.  Virtually all the other are in public collections.  This piece is one of his grandmother, Maria Martinez.  The other known pen & ink drawings of Maria are in the permanent collection of the Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos.  This piece has an interesting provenance.  It was made in 1966 for the “Three Generations” exhibition in Washington DC.  The exhibition was partially arranged through some collectors in Texas, with whom Maria, Popovi and Tony stayed on their way to DC.  At the end of the exhibition, this drawing of Maria, along with several other pieces, were acquired by their benefactors in Texas.  The painting is signed, “D’a 66”.   It is in excellent condition. What a great piece of history and this piece is certainly an important addition  to any collection of work by Tony Da or San Ildefonso art.