Crescencio Martínez
Crescencio Martínez was a notable figure in early 20th-century Native American art, emerging from humble beginnings as a janitor at the San Ildefonso Day School. His artistic journey began when he picked up crayons and later attracted the attention of Edgar Hewett, who provided him with drawing materials. By 1916, Martínez was painting significant cultural events like the summer and winter dances of his pueblo, and his successful artworks inspired others in his community to pursue watercolor painting as a source of income. He was married to Maximiliana (Anna) Martínez, a talented potter, and he often painted her pottery alongside that of his family members who were also artists. The couple relocated to Santa Fe during World War I, where they continued to develop their crafts. Martínez's life came to an end due to pneumonia, but his contributions to Native American art left a lasting impact on his community and beyond. His story reflects the intersection of cultural heritage and artistic expression, as well as the influence of mentorship in the arts.
Crescencio Martínez
- Born: c. 1890
- Birthplace: San Ildefonso, New Mexico
- Died: June 20, 1918
- Place of death: Santa Fe?, New Mexico
Category: Painter
Tribal affiliation: San Ildefonso Pueblo
Significance: Crescencio Martínez is considered by many to be the father of watercolor painting among Puebloan Indians, leading to the Southwestern school of Indian painting
Crescencio Martínez began drawing sometime before 1910, using crayons he picked up while working as a janitor at the San Ildefonso Day School. Edgar Hewett, excavating near San Ildefonso in about 1915, hired Crescencio as a laborer and found him drawing on the ends of cardboard boxes. Hewett gave him drawing paper and watercolors, and bought many of his drawings. In 1916, Crescencio began painting the summer and winter dances of his pueblo for a museum commission arranged by Hewett. The ease with which his work sold influenced the men of his pueblo to turn to watercolor painting for income, and it was his style of Native American painting they often followed.
Crescencio married Maximiliana (Anna) Martínez, sister of potter María Martínez and herself an accomplished potter. Crescencio painted Anna’s pots, as well as those of his mother, sister, and sister-in-law. Other relatives were painters Alfonso Roybal, Romando Vigil, and Alfredo Montoya.
Anna and Crescencio moved to Santa Fe during World War I, working for the Rocky Mountain Camp Company grooming horses. There they continued potting and painting. Crescencio Martínez died of pneumonia.