Cross 1935 - 1942

Majel G. Claflin made this drawing of a cross. At first glance, the work presents a symmetrical arrangement with a central motif that immediately evokes spiritual associations. However, the beauty of this piece lies in its formal construction. Notice how the artist juxtaposes delicate floral patterns in pinks and blues against the rigid, metallic-looking framework. The cross's structure appears both solid and ornate, achieved through the use of color and detailed edging. The interior sections of the cross are filled with patterns that seem to ripple and flow, disrupting the solidity of the cross. This interplay between fluidity and structure challenges the conventional symbolism of the cross as a fixed, unyielding emblem of faith. Here, Claflin seems to use a semiotic language, contrasting surface ornamentation with underlying form to destabilize traditional meanings, inviting viewers to reinterpret inherited values through a lens of aesthetic and structural innovation. The work prompts questions about faith, representation, and the dynamic interplay between form and content.