Mimbres

Mimbres is a 1984 lithograph by R.C. Gorman celebrating the artist’s fascination with ancient Southwestern pottery traditions. A Navajo woman reclines gracefully in flowing white clothing, her head tilted back in a pose of elegant repose, while wearing a striking orange-red top that commands attention. Her dark hair frames her face, and her hand rests gently as if she is lost in reverie. Beside her sits a traditional Mimbres pottery bowl rendered with geometric pattern details that reference the historical ceramic traditions of the Mimbres culture. The composition balances figure and object with classical refinement, set against a soft warm background of beige and peachy tones. Gorman’s line work is confident and expressive, while his color harmonies convey both warmth and dignity. This work bridges personal figurative portraiture with cultural archaeology, appealing to collectors of Gorman lithographs, Southwestern fine art, and those interested in contemporary native american engagement with historical traditions.