Original Painting of Diné (Navajo) Girl on Horseback [SOLD]

Most of Beatien Yazz's work reflects the everyday lives of the Navajo. His colors are strong and contrasting but seldom muted; and rich combinations of color are typical. He has always been a master of detail; painting the special nuances that make reservation life unique.

Yazz was born around 1928 and became enchanted with drawing and painting at a very early age. There were no other Navajo artists doing such at that time. None were making a living from being artists and easel art was virtually unknown to the very isolated Indians on the Navajo Reservation. Yazz may be the first Navajo to earn a living on the reservation as a painter of art.

This painting of a young Navajo girl on horseback was executed in extraordinary detail and a variety of beautiful colors. It is a work of immense power. It is quite possible that Yazz painted this one at the same time as the male on horseback that we posted as Item #C2960J. The two paintings make a beautiful pair.

Condition: The painting is in original excellent condition. It has been shrink-wrapped since it was first painted in the late 1960s or early 1970s. It is not yet framed.

Provenance: This painting is among a collection from the Balcomb family, formerly owners of an art gallery which they closed in 1976.