Original Painting entitled “Navajo Scout” [SOLD]

Constant amazement would be an appropriate statement for the artistic talent of Quincy Tahoma.  His paintings are always a delight to see.  For an artist who had no more than 20 years to develop and practice his talent, Tahoma exceeded what one would expect.  He was only 37 years old when he painted this painting and had probably not been painting more than 20 years at that time, yet this painting is one of an accomplished artist.

There is so much detail in this painting that a lesser artist would never have included in a work of art that was to sell for only $75—the price penciled in on the back.  The fringe on the saddle blanket, the tail and mane of the horse and the headdress of the scout are amazingly detailed.  Amidst all this detail, one still sees more—the concha belt and bear claw necklace worn by the scout, the fringe on the belts worn on his legs, and the feathers on the arrows.  There seems to be no end to his effort to provide realistic details throughout the entire painting.

This painting is a work of love by the artist.  It was not a rushed job to be completed for a fast sale.  It was one he labored over to perfection.  Tahoma certainly was one of the most talented Navajo artists of the period and it is a shame his life was so short.

The painting was executed on colored mat board which has faded just so slightly.  It is signed in lower right with Tahoma’s traditional cartouche and the date 54. The back is signed and titled in artist hand “Navajo Scout by Tahoma of Santa Fe Price $75.”   It has just been professionally framed with appropriate materials and a wood frame.

Provenance: from the collection of a gentleman from Pennsylvania

Recommended Reading: Quincy Tahoma, The Life and Legacy of a Navajo Artist by Charnell Havens