Navajo Woman with her Sheep [SOLD]

Sheep were introduced to the Navajo by the Spanish, and subsequently became one of the key factors in the Navajo lifestyle. The herding and raising of sheep, as well as sheering them for their wool and butchering them for their meat are considered necessary skills by traditional Navajo. Thus, it is not surprising that pastoral scenes comprised of shepherds and sheep are frequent subject matter of many Navajo paintings.

This rendition of the shepherdess and her flock on the reservation is especially well-done. The artist has used line and color to give the feel of the vastness of the reservation. The animals in the foreground graze, with the vast Navajo reservation in the background. The young woman’s clothing is rendered with fine detail.

Leonard Footracer is a self-taught artist who lives in Sanders, AZ. According to his brother, Alfred Footracer, Leonard's talent was apparent at a young age. As young children, the Footracers attended what was called "Americanization" classes and Leonard was recognized as having perfect penmanship as well as the ability to draw. With no formal training, Leonard went on to paint. He is no longer in good health, so he does not paint any longer.

Condition: appears in good condition but has not been examined out of the frame

Provenance: from the estate of a former client from New York

Recommended Reading:  Enduring Traditions: Art of the Navajo by Jerry Jack