Martina Vigil Montoya (1856-1916) and Florentino Montoya (1858-1918) are considered to be among the greatest San Ildefonso potters of the late 19th century and early twentieth century. A married couple, Vigil and Montoya were elders in Maria Martinez's immediate

circle. When Maria Martinez was a little girl, she used to watch Florentino and Martina make pots. "Their styles and techniques influenced Maria in her methods of pottery making, Maria Martinez later recalled him. 'But this Florentino, he was old, and he painted, oh, very good." (Richard Spivey, Maria Martinez, 1979:23). Vigil and Montoya's significance and contributions are documented in the authoritative book on the subject Pueblo Pottery: 750 Artist Biographies, George Schaaf, 2000.