Still Life with Pueblo Pottery and Indian Corn
Original painting on canvas • Significantly associated with the signature 'MARIO'; likely a regional Southwestern artist or high-quality studio artist specializing in Native American motifs
Style & Movement
Southwestern Art / Contemporary Realism
Medium & Technique
Acrylic or oil on canvas with fine airbrushing or soft-edge glazing techniques
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980-1995)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 36 inches; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A thematic still life featuring traditional Pueblo-style pottery (Acoma or Hopi influence), an ear of flint corn (Indian corn), and dried husks, focusing on earth tones and indigenous iconography.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; slight surface dust and minor frame wear consistent with age
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $850 USD
Auction Estimate
$300 - $600 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a Southwestern art gallery or decorative fine art dealer; typical of private collections in the American West.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the 1980s-90s boom in Southwestern interior art, blending technical realism with traditional cultural symbology.
Notable Features
Distinctive stylized signature 'MARIO' with a graphic arrow motif; high-contrast lighting simulating a desert sun effect; specialized rendering of the corn kernels' texture.
Condition Issues
Slight abrasions on the wooden frame; some minor aging of the canvas tension; potential UV fading if exposed to direct sunlight.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning to remove surface grime; archival framing with UV-protective glass; maintain in a climate-controlled environment.