Tin Frame

NameTin Frame

Artist Isleta Tinsmith

CultureNew Mexican

Place madeNew Mexico, United States, North America

MediumTin, glass,paper, solder, photos

DimensionsOverall: 9 13/16 x 12 5/8 in. (25 x 32 cm)

Credit LineGift of Steve and Dottie Diamant

Object numberA.2005.49.21

Collections

Provenancecollection of Steve and Dottie Diamant, owners of Fine Arts of the Southwest

DescriptionFour tin corner pieces form this marco, in unqiue abstract designs that somewhat resemble wings or leaves. Embossed rosettes with nail-stamped centers and rows of embossed dots along the edges and near the center of each cut-out shape. There are curved indentations on each tin piece from the bottom or top of the tin can it came form, and also intentional scoring by the artist along the edge of the marco's interior. Behind the glass and backed with gray paper there are three photos: there is a group of 6 males standing by a store, a woman holding a child, and small photo of a baby. The photographs are soldered into the tinwork, indicating they are original to the piece.

This tin marco is attributable to the Isleta tinsmith, an anonymous tinsmith working at Isleta Pueblo from about 1890 to about 1920, who is remembered by oral history at Isleta Pueblo as simply "The Mexican." The embossed rosettes and unique cut-out tin shapes forming the marco are indicative of this artist's work. - Carla Gilfillan