Plate 42: Painted Chest Design: From Portfolio "Spanish Colonial Designs of New Mexico"

American 20th Century

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting of a decorative folk scene. The painting features a central panel with figures and a horse, surrounded by floral motifs on a rich red background. To the left, there is a black horse with a figure dressed in red standing nearby. In the middle, a figure in a blue dress appears to be in motion. The right side features another figure in a brown outfit, posed gracefully. The border is adorned with symmetrical floral patterns in blues, whites, and greens. This is in the style of folk art, reminiscent of traditional Eastern European or Pennsylvania Dutch designs, known for vibrant color and rich symbolism.