Quincy Tahoma Painting of a Deer and Fawn [SOLD]

Clara Lee Tanner stated, “One of the most dynamic, imaginative and gifted of Southwest Indian artists was Quincy Tahoma. He also revealed in his works the extreme rhythm and decorative feelings that are essentially Indian. Tahoma lived the life of an average Navajo boy, herding sheep and riding horseback.”

Realistic paintings of animals reflect much of his early life. No matter how violent his portrayals became in later years, Quincy Tahoma (1917-1956) Water Edge still painted animals with affection and great beauty.  This pair of running deer is typical of his treatment of animals.  They are romping around enjoying the snow. 

This painting was completed in 1942 when Tahoma was 25 years of age.  He had attended the Santa Fe Indian School for four years, from 1936-1940, entering in the seventh grade. He was a student at the same time as Harrison Begay, Pablita Velarde, Geronima Montoya, Andy Tsihnahjinnie, and Gerald Nailor, and studied under the tutelage of Dorothy Dunn at The Studio.

When World War II broke out, he attempted to join the service but an arm that he had broken as a youngster, that was never successfully corrected, caused him to be rejected.  He stayed in Santa Fe while his friends served in the military.

This Native American Painting was executed on green paper and has just been completely re-framed using acid-neutral materials.  A silver-color fillet was placed between the painting and green mat and a silver-color wood framed was selected.  It is signed and dated in lower right.

Condition: this Quincy Tahoma Painting of a Deer and Fawn is in very good condition with some fading of the green paper evident.  This painting has been newly framed and matted under the direction of Alexander Anthony of Adobe Gallery.

Reference and Recommended Reading:  Southwest Indian Painting a Changing Art by Clara Lee Tanner.  

Provenance: from the collection of a gentleman from Arizona