Navajo Medicine Man on a Blue Horse by Robert Chee [SOLD]

Chee painted in the flat style associated with The Studio of the Santa Fe Indian School under the art direction of Dorothy Dunn, although he did not attend the Santa Fe Indian School. He was educated at Intermountain Indian School in Brigham City, Utah where he studied commercial art under Allan Houser for two years.

At age 20, Chee entered the United States Army and served for three years, being discharged in 1960. It was following his discharge that he began to come into prominence as an artist of note. He won many prizes during the sixties and produced some outstanding paintings. His career came to an end in 1971, so most of his paintings were from the sixties.

It is hard for a non Indian to interpret Chee’s intent with this painting, but it appears to be a Navajo Medicine Man performing a prayer or chant and receiving response from the Buffalo-like face which may represent the Sun.

The mysticism of the painting is strong and one can almost feel the energy between the Medicine Man and the Supernatural. The Blue Horse, another mystical creature, adds to the overall strength of the imagery.

The painting is matted and shrink-wrapped but not framed. It is signed in lower right and appears to be in original excellent condition.

Provenance: From the collection of the family of Balcomb’s Ranch Gallery, Colorado, formerly owners of Balcomb’s Gallery in Gallup and Albuquerque which they closed in 1976.