Maria and Julian Martinez
Jesse L. Nusbaum
1912
Courtesy Palace of the Governors Photo Archives (NMHM/DCA), negative no. 40814

Maria Martinez (1884-1980) of San Ildefonso Pueblo, became recognized as a legendary figure in Native American pottery. Using a clay unique to San Ildefonso Reservation and a style of firing creating beautiful black on black pottery, Maria Martinez's work has a signature style that graces many fine collections around the world. In addition, her work and life has served as an inspiration to new generations of Pueblo potters, and serves as a bona fide link from the traditional to the contemporary. She is pictured here with her husband Julian outside Santa Fe's Palace of the Governors in 1912.