Plate 29: Saint Acacius: From Portfolio "Spanish Colonial Designs of New Mexico" 1935 - 1942

This watercolor drawing, "Plate 29: Saint Acacius," is part of the anonymous portfolio, "Spanish Colonial Designs of New Mexico" which was created between 1935 and 1942. The work depicts a stylized, folk-art style, wooden figure of Saint Acacius, nailed to a cross, with his arms outstretched and six smaller figures at his feet. It is an example of religious folk art from New Mexico, and is a record of traditional craftsmanship. It is likely that the artist was an anonymous folk artist, who created the work for devotional purposes. The work is a valuable record of the religious traditions of the area and its use of brightly colored paints.