Bulto (Virgin) c. 1939

"Bulto (Virgin)" is a watercolor painting by Majel G. Claflin, created around 1939. The painting depicts a wooden sculpture, a “bulto,” representing the Virgin Mary. The artwork portrays the Virgin Mary in a standing position, clothed in a black robe with a red-orange undergarment. This painting is a faithful representation of a traditional bulto, a type of folk art made in New Mexico. The image showcases the detail and the artist's keen observation of the craftsmanship of the original bulto. This work captures the essence of religious folk art and provides insight into the visual culture of early 20th-century New Mexico.