Untitled Navajo Painting of Spotted Horse (Appaloosa) & Buffalo Shield [SOLD]

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Beatien Yazz, Navajo Nation Painter

Basically a self-taught artist, Beatien Yazz , born in 1928, is one of the last two living students of Dorothy Dunn of the Santa Fe Indian School. His work shows a strong appreciation for nature and a special understanding of how people fit in with animals in the wild. No doubt this was a direct result of growing up on the vast Navajo Reservation, where animals could roam far and wide without being disturbed by humans.

This piece, depicting a colorful solitary spotted horse or “appaloosa,” was likely painted later in his career. The Appaloosa is a horse breed known for its preferred leopard-spotted coat pattern and other distinctive physical characteristics. This painting shows significant growth as an artist. Here he adds more color and incorporates it in a distinct way. The other interesting element is the buffalo shield hanging above the horse, which makes this piece much more figurative than some of his earlier works.

Condition: The painting is in original excellent condition except for minor creases at the top right, lower right and bottom left corners. There is also a minor tear in the paper at bottom center (See second detail image). All can be easily matted out. It has never been framed and is currently shrink-wrapped for protection. It is signed “Beatian Yazz,” one of his various signatures, in lower right.

Provenance: From the collection of the family of Balcomb’s Ranch Gallery, Colorado.

Beatien Yazz, Navajo Nation Painter
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