Nellie Begay

Nellie Begay, a 1988 lithograph by R.C. Gorman, portrays a Navajo woman enveloped in a striking red blanket with turquoise and white geometric patterns reflecting traditional textile arts. Set against a deep purple background suggesting twilight or night, the woman is rendered from a back view, her figure wrapped and contained within bold angular motifs. The composition balances warm reds against cool purples, creating dramatic visual tension. Her teal-green skirt hem provides a grounding note of complementary color. Gorman’s masterful rendering of traditional textiles and his dignified portraiture make this a cherished piece for collectors of authentic Native American fine art.