Spur c. 1937

Majel G. Claflin made this watercolor painting of a spur in the early 20th century. At first glance, it seems like a simple depiction of a tool used in horseback riding. However, it is important to consider its cultural context. The spur is not merely functional; it carries associations with the American West, cowboys, and a particular vision of masculinity and authority. Claflin, an artist from Taos, New Mexico, was part of a community that actively constructed a romanticized version of the region. How do visual elements like the stark lighting and detailed rendering contribute to this idealization? What does it mean to focus on this object, elevating it to the level of fine art? Understanding this work requires us to look at the cultural and institutional forces that shaped its creation, questioning how images contribute to the construction of regional and national identities. By consulting historical archives and studies of Western art, we can unpack the complex meanings embedded within this seemingly straightforward depiction.