Harry Fonseca, Attributed/Manner of: Coyote Woman with Floral Border
Harry Fonseca (American, Maidu, 1946–2006)
Striking figurative composition depicting an anthropomorphic coyote woman presented in profile and dressed in a vivid red floral garment, adorned with a red beaded necklace and bright blossoms woven into the hair. The figure is set against a muted lavender-gray field and enclosed by an elaborate golden ornamental border, creating a highly decorative and immediately recognizable visual presence.
Executed in mixed media on paper, apparently combining gouache and/or watercolor with ink and opaque pigments. Fine linear detailing defines the fur, facial features, garment patterns, jewelry, and scrolling floral border, while saturated passages of red, blue, yellow, green, black, and gold create a richly layered surface. The contrast between the cool-toned figure and the warm ornamental surround gives the work exceptional graphic impact.
Fonseca is especially associated with imagery that merges Native American cultural references, contemporary identity, humor, symbolism, and the recurring figure of the coyote. In this composition, the anthropomorphic subject assumes an elegant, almost portrait-like presence, while the floral adornment and decorative framing introduce a ceremonial and theatrical quality.
Signed and dated in the upper portion of the composition “Fonseca 11-10-77,†accompanied by a small square device or mark. The reverse appears largely blank, showing only light age-related toning, faint spotting, and minor handling traces visible in the photographs provided. No additional inscriptions or labels are apparent on the verso.
A distinctive and visually compelling work combining indigenous-inspired iconography, stylized portraiture, decorative pattern, and expressive color. The composition has strong decorative presence and would display particularly well within a collection of Native American, Southwestern, contemporary Indigenous, or American figurative art.
DIMENSIONS
Height: 10 1/2 in.
Width: 8 3/8 in.
PROVENANCE
Private collection.
Condition
Overall good visual condition for a work on paper of apparent age. Minor toning, faint scattered spotting, light handling wear, and subtle surface irregularities are visible, particularly on the reverse. Unframed. Please refer to the photographs for additional condition details.
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
Harry Fonseca (American, Maidu, 1946–2006)
Striking figurative composition depicting an anthropomorphic coyote woman presented in profile and dressed in a vivid red floral garment, adorned with a red beaded necklace and bright blossoms woven into the hair. The figure is set against a muted lavender-gray field and enclosed by an elaborate golden ornamental border, creating a highly decorative and immediately recognizable visual presence.
Executed in mixed media on paper, apparently combining gouache and/or watercolor with ink and opaque pigments. Fine linear detailing defines the fur, facial features, garment patterns, jewelry, and scrolling floral border, while saturated passages of red, blue, yellow, green, black, and gold create a richly layered surface. The contrast between the cool-toned figure and the warm ornamental surround gives the work exceptional graphic impact.
Fonseca is especially associated with imagery that merges Native American cultural references, contemporary identity, humor, symbolism, and the recurring figure of the coyote. In this composition, the anthropomorphic subject assumes an elegant, almost portrait-like presence, while the floral adornment and decorative framing introduce a ceremonial and theatrical quality.
Signed and dated in the upper portion of the composition “Fonseca 11-10-77,†accompanied by a small square device or mark. The reverse appears largely blank, showing only light age-related toning, faint spotting, and minor handling traces visible in the photographs provided. No additional inscriptions or labels are apparent on the verso.
A distinctive and visually compelling work combining indigenous-inspired iconography, stylized portraiture, decorative pattern, and expressive color. The composition has strong decorative presence and would display particularly well within a collection of Native American, Southwestern, contemporary Indigenous, or American figurative art.
DIMENSIONS
Height: 10 1/2 in.
Width: 8 3/8 in.
PROVENANCE
Private collection.
Condition
Overall good visual condition for a work on paper of apparent age. Minor toning, faint scattered spotting, light handling wear, and subtle surface irregularities are visible, particularly on the reverse. Unframed. Please refer to the photographs for additional condition details.
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
