Navajo on Horseback Chasing Antelope [SOLD]

Clara Lee Tanner, in her book Southwest Indian Painting: A Changing Art, compares Robert Chee to Harrison Begay in his strong ability to handle a great many colors and his tendency to stress the “intensity of tone in small areas.” Chee, especially later in his very short life, could also be compared stylistically to Beatien Yazz.

Chee was a student of Allan Houser and was at the height of his career during the late 1950s. Yazz had begun painting much earlier than Chee. That said, Chee adopted the usage of ground lines, hills and plant life further along in his career, as did Yazz. One can notice how both artists’ styles seem to mirror each other when one focuses and compares the terrain, flora and whimsical theme in their paintings. Could it be that Yazz had an influence on Chee’s work? One could definitely speculate!

The treatment of the horse in a manner that evokes a celestial creature adds a feeling of other-worldly mysticism to the painting. Notice the star-like painting of the horse and the elaborate mane and tail. This is an extraordinarily beautiful painting and one I would consider among his major works.

Condition: The painting appears to be in original excellent condition. It is currently shrink-wrapped for protection. It is signed in lower right.

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