Indian Woman with Basket
Print on paper, likely a serigraph (silkscreen) or lithograph • Amado Maurilio Peña Jr. (signed bottom right)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Native American Art / Southwest Regionalism
Medium & Technique
Multi-colored printmaking technique featuring flat planes of color, sharp graphic lines, and layered geometric motifs. Likely a serigraph given the saturation and overlay of the pigments.
Creation Period
Circa 1970s - 1980s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 18 inches; Portrait orientation within a rectangular frame.
Subject Description
The artwork depicts a stylized indigenous woman in profile, partially obscured and integrated into a landscape of textile-like patterns. She is associated with a rounded vessel or basket. The composition utilizes abstract, sweeping curves and geometric step-patterns reminiscent of Pueblo pottery and Navajo weaving designs.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Fair. The print appears intact, but there is noticeable reflection and debris between the glass and the print. Some potential fading from UV exposure is possible given the color palette.
Estimated Market Value
$200 - $500
Auction Estimate
$150 - $400
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a gallery specializing in Southwestern art or a direct studio sale. No specific gallery labels are visible on the front, but the artist's signature is present.
Art Historical Significance
Amado Peña is a significant figure in the movement that brought Mestizo and Native American identities into the contemporary art market during the late 20th century. His work bridges the gap between traditional craft motifs and modern graphic abstraction.
Notable Features
Includes a visible hand-signature by the artist in the lower right margin and an edition number or notation in the lower left. The use of overlapping geometric patterns used as a transparency over the figures is a hallmark of Peña's mature style.
Condition Issues
Visible debris or spotting on the inner surface of the glass; potential mild toning of the paper; frame shows minor wear; significant glare suggests non-archival glass.
Conservation Recommendations
Remove from current frame to clean or replace glazing with UV-protective museum glass. Ensure acid-free matting is used to prevent 'burning' of the paper edges over time.