Portrait of Tonita Roybal

Artist San Ildefonso

Tonita Roybal

1892-1945

Biography

The life and work of Tonita Roybal

At a glance

Life dates
1892-1945
Tribe / Pueblo
San Ildefonso
Known for
  • Pottery
Available now
2 pieces
Previously sold
1 piece

Tonita Roybal (1892-1945) has been called, “One of the finest potters of the twentieth century.” She learned to make pottery from her mother, Dominguita Pino Martinez (1860-1948). Her brother, Cresencio Martinez (1879-1918), married Anna Montoya (Maria’s sister). She was also an aunt to Santana Roybal, who later married Adam Martinez (Maria’s son). Tonita was married twice. Her first husband was Alfredo Montoya (1890-1913), and then in 1916, she married Juan Cruz Roybal (1896-1990). Among her descendants are JD Roybal (painter) and Margaret Lou Roybal-Gutierrez (potter).

Collection

Works by Tonita Roybal

2 available

Archive

Previously sold

Pieces by Tonita Roybal now in private collections, kept here for reference.