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

Most of Beatien Yazz's work reflects the everyday lives of the Navajo. 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 Navajo man riding on horseback was executed in extraordinary detail and a variety of beautiful colors. He has his bedroll behind his saddle and appears to be at a leisurely pace. Yazz has provided such details as a turquoise nugget necklace with jaclas, turquoise earrings, and a concha belt which would lead one to believe the man is heading to a celebration dance or some other formal occasion.

It is quite possible that Yazz painted this one at the same time as the female walking with a sheep that we have posted as Item #C2962D. The two paintings make a beautiful pair. They are matted identically.

Condition: The painting is in original excellent condition. It is matted and shrink-wrapped and 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.