Original Painting of Early New Mexico Native Arts Supporter Vera Von Blumenthal

Description: Fresh from an old California estate is this superbly executed oil painting of early 20th century New Mexico Native Indian arts supporter, Vera Von Blumenthal. The work depicts Von Blumenthal in traditional Russian head-dress. It does not appear to be signed, but is inscribed on verso. Medium: oil on canvas 20 x 14 inches; 22.5 x 16.5 inches, framed Condition: with wear, as shown. Concerned that industrialization was threatening traditional crafts, Madame Vera von Blumenthal promoted the work of seamstresses in her native Russia and then in Pasadena, California, where she moved at the start of the Great War. A few years later, von Blumenthal relocated to New Mexico with a woman named Rose Dougan. Madame Vera (or Verra) von Blumenthal together with Rose Dugan (or Dougan) contributed to the development of the Pueblo Indian pottery industry by teaching the potters of the local pueblos techniques which made the pottery more attractive to collectors. They lived at Duchess Castle, north of Santa Fe, New Mexico around 1918 during the summer and in Pasadena, California during the winter. Von Blumenthal wanted to continue her patronage of the arts. “So, when they came here, they talked to the museum about doing something similar with the potters,” says Janet Chapman, co-author of Kenneth Milton Chapman: A Life Dedicated to Indian Arts and Artists. Von Blumenthal and Dougan handed the Museum of New Mexico $200 and set of rules detailing how Native potters could both foster their craft and receive fair prices for their work. They called it the Pueblo Pottery Improvement Project.

Price: 299 USD

Location: Tarzana, California

End Time: 2025-01-05T21:00:31.000Z

Shipping Cost: 35 USD