Original Painting “The Sheep Herder’s Pups” by Quincy Tahoma [SOLD]

In the early 1940s, when Tahoma painted this charming scene of a young Navajo boy surrounded by puppies and a sheep, the artist was at the height of his productivity and living a wonderful life. He was falling in love with an Easterner who had moved with her family to New Mexico and who lived on Canyon Road. The romance did not materialize, but the two-year courtship was good for Tahoma in that he was happy and productive in his art.

"The Sheep Herder's Pups" was painted in 1944 during this happy and peaceful time in the artist's life. Tahoma was receiving national attention at that time as well. The Encyclopedia Britannica chose a Tahoma painting for illustration with an article on the artist. He was also profiled in Desert Magazine that same year.

In this painting, the young Navajo boy (sheep herder) is gesturing with a finger in an attempt to train one of the little pups.  Another, darker colored pup is sleeping on the job.  It looks like he has his work cut out for him, but may have plenty of time to take advantage of during the long days while herding his sheep.

Condition: This painting appears to be in original excellent condition. It is framed using all acid-free materials and is in a hand carved wood frame of the Santa Fe Indian School style.

Provenance: From the collection of Charlotte G. Mittler. It was exhibited at the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, Santa Fe, NM at an exhibit Through Their Eyes: Paintings from the Santa Fe Indian School, May 17, 2009 - April 18, 2010. It is published in the book released with the exhibit, page 173.

Recommended Reading: Quincy Tahoma: The Life and Legacy of a Navajo Artist by Havens and Badertscher.