Original Watercolor of Mountain Lion Chasing a Deer [SOLD]

Action and vitality characterize Tahoma's work. One can almost feel the strength of the mountain lion, his muscles bulging, and his legs stretched to run. Look at the ferociousness of his mouth. One can imagine the fear of the deer as the mountain lion catches up with him. In this traumatic action, there are two birds casually flying overhead, providing a moment of calmness to the scene.

Tahoma was an outstanding artist. He exhibited all over the United States in the better art galleries and museums. He won many prizes for his paintings. It is unfortunate that he passed away in 1956 at such an early age. He was destined to become one of the best of the Navajo artists.

The painting is signed in lower right with the artist's name and a cartouche showing the lion having overcome the deer. It is dated 1948.

Condition: Overall, the image appears to be in fair condition. When one examines it carefully, there are a few problems. There is a crease to the left of the log, water stains in the same general area, scratch marks just behind the mountain lions left front leg. And a few smudges here and there. None of this greatly attracts from the dynamic imagery and none of it is serious damage. Quite possibly, the painting lay around for a number of years without a frame, resulting in its current condition.

The painting has recently been framed using acid-free materials and a wooden frame.

Provenance: ex. coll. California collector of Native arts.