Original Painting "Devoted Young Shepherdess" by Harrison Begay

This original gouache painting by Harrison Begay captures a quiet moment of tenderness between a young shepherdess and a blue lamb she gently holds in her arms. The scene is a remarkable expression of Begay's refined aesthetic — marked by exceptional line work that is both fluid and precise. The composition radiates a soft luminosity that draws the viewer into its calm and contemplative atmosphere.

Set against a neutral beige background, the painting's cool tones gently come to life. The shepherdess, with flowing black hair, a violet shirt, and a salmon pink skirt, stands out as the visual and emotional focal point. Her bond with the lamb — a motif often seen in Begay's work — underscores his enduring sensitivity to the quiet beauty of everyday Navajo life.

Harrison Begay (1917-2012), a self-taught painter and student of Dorothy Dunn at the Santa Fe Indian School, became one of the most influential Native American artists of the 20th century. His work, rooted in Navajo tradition and expressed through a distinct visual language, resonates with clarity, elegance, and cultural depth. While best known for his watercolors and silkscreen prints, this gouache painting is a compelling example of his mastery in capturing emotional nuance and cultural storytelling with grace.

Signed Haskay Yahne Yah at the lower left and Harrison Begay at the lower right.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: This Original Painting "Devoted Young Shepherdess" by Harrison Begay is from a collector in Albuquerque.

Recommended Reading: Indian Art: The Dorothy Dunn Collection of Native American Paintings, published in El Palacio, Winter 1977

TAGS: Navajo Nation, Native American Paintings, Harrison Begay, Diné of the Navajo Nation Painter