Pueblo Mother & Child Mixed Media on Suede Ground, Signed "Saline" 1986

A composed and quietly devotional work signed "Saline c.86" lower right, depicting a Pueblo mother and child wrapped in earth-toned manta blankets before a multi-story adobe pueblo with timber ladders — iconography closely associated with Taos or Acoma Pueblo. The figures are rendered on a napped suede ground, giving the surface a tactile, dimensional quality that separates this piece from conventional Pueblo-scene work. Turquoise jewelry at the ears and throats of both figures provides the sole chromatic accent against a palette of cream, rose, and sienna.

The composition is anchored by a twisted silver-cord circle encircling the figures — a folk-devotional flourish that frames the subject like a medallion and sets it apart from standard production work of the era. The artist signed consistently in both ink on the suede surface and in cursive lower right; the napped textile ground is confirmed on physical handling. Presented framed in a period-appropriate distressed wood molding with linen liner, without glass — the correct presentation for a work on suede to preserve its surface character.

CONDITION

Very Good overall. The suede ground and applied elements are clean and intact with strong color retention throughout. Minor scuffing to the frame consistent with age and handling.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Overall (framed): 26 3/4" H × 32 3/4" W × 1 3/4" D
• Visible (sight): 17 1/2" H × 23 9/16" W
• Medium: Mixed media on suede ground
• Signature: "Saline c.96," lower right
• Date: 1996
• Presentation: Framed and matted, without glass