Original Painting “Spirit Horse” 1961 by Adee Dodge

"Spirit Horse" (1961) by Adee Dodge is a striking example of the artist's signature style — precise, symbolic, and spiritually resonant. Painted in gouache and tempera on paper, the work depicts a proud black and white horse, standing on an elliptical patch of grey and ochre earth. The composition radiates an otherworldly presence, with the horse embodying both pride and quiet confidence. Dodge's exceptional line work and delicately applied color remain in excellent condition, highlighting his careful attention to both form and meaning.

Adee Dodge, grandson of Chee Dodge — the first Navajo Tribal Chairman — was not only an artist but also a scholar, with advanced degrees in Comparative Linguistics and Anthropology. He began painting while recovering from wounds sustained in World War II, turning his focus toward preserving the sacred stories and symbols of the Navajo people. His work, often imbued with spiritual themes and traditional iconography, has been featured in Arizona Highways and exhibited at the Smithsonian. Known for incorporating symbolic birds and his unique Navajo hair-roll signature, Dodge's paintings, especially those featuring spirit horses like this one, are deeply collected for their heartfelt interpretations of Navajo mythology and culture.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: This Original Painting "Spirit Horse" 1961 by Adee Dodge is from a collector in Rio Rancho, NM.

Recommended Reading: Lester, Patrick D. The Biographical Directory of Native American Painters, 1995.

TAGS: Diné of the Navajo Nation, Native American Paintings, Adee Dodge, Diné of the Navajo Nation Painter