Diné (Navajo) Painting of a Navajo Boy by Beatien Yazz [SOLD]

Most of Beatien Yazz's work reflects the everyday lives of the Navajo. He has always been a master of detail; painting the special nuances that make reservation life unique. In the instance of this painting he is showing the innocence of youth. The young boy is dressed in traditional Navajo clothing, including moccasins and a headband. He appears to be running, as evidenced by his raised leg and the movement of his necklace.

Yazz was born around 1928 and became enchanted with drawing and painting at a very early age. There were no other Navajo artists doing such at that time. None were making a living from being artists and easel art was virtually unknown to the very isolated Indians on the Navajo Reservation. Yazz may be the first Navajo to earn a living on the reservation as a painter of art.

This painting is a wonderful mate to the painting of a young Navajo girl that we have listed as #C2962Q.

Condition: The painting is in original excellent condition. It has not been framed, only shrink-wrapped.

Provenance: This painting is among a collection from the Balcomb family, formerly owners of an art gallery which they closed in 1976.