Original Painting “Weaving a Navajo Dress” [SOLD]

At first glance at this painting, one immediately sees an Art Deco style emerging, particularly in the seated male and female figures.  The subject matter is unquestionably Navajo.  The colors are nicely coordinated in soft warm earth tones in matte finish. 

The small size and square format tend to gather the Navajo family in a close-knit group.  The weaver is taking a break from her task weaving a Navajo dress panel.  The Navajo man is taking a siesta.  The two children are off to the side in conversation.  A rainbow band wrapped around the sides and bottom is typical of a Navajo artist placing a rainbow Yei protective figure around a painting.  In this painting, Nailor did not make a Yei rainbow figure but did include the protective rainbow for the family.

Gerald Nailor (1917-1952) painted in a decorative manner unlike any other Navajo artist.  His style was unique and quite recognizable.  He generally painted in soft matte colors.

"In 1937, Nailor shared a studio in Santa Fe with Allan Houser. His paintings were exhibited in the home of Mrs. Hall Adams from 1943 to 1952. At the time of his death, he was living with his family at Picuris Pueblo, NM. Tragically, Nailor was only 35 years old when [he] died from injuries received in an attempt to help a woman whose husband was brutally beating her." -Snodgrass, 1968.

This original Painting "Weaving a Navajo Dress" is mounted with archival materials and framed in a hand-carved wood frame.  It is signed in lower right and dated 1937.

Condition: very good condition with some minor foxing.

Provenance: from the home of a resident of Albuquerque

Recommended Reading:  American Indian Painting of the Southwest and Plains Areas by Dorothy Dunn (1903-1992)