Retablo-Santa Rita c. 1937

"Retablo-Santa Rita" is a watercolor painting by Majel G. Claflin, created in 1937. It depicts a simplified image of Santa Rita, a popular Catholic saint, holding a staff and wearing a crown of thorns. The stylized figure and the colorful, geometric frame are reminiscent of traditional Mexican folk art, known as retablos. These small devotional paintings often portray miracles and are considered offerings of gratitude. Claflin's piece captures the essence of retablo tradition while incorporating her own modernist sensibility. The work's simplicity and vibrant color palette, along with the focus on the sacred figure, make it a compelling example of American Modernism and a unique interpretation of devotional art.