Plate 39: Saint John Nepomuk: From Portfolio "Spanish Colonial Designs of New Mexico"

American 20th Century

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture depicts a human figure standing on a rectangular base. The subject has a distinct hairstyle with a tall, pointed element on top of the head, appearing dark. The figure's face is light-toned with a pointed beard. The sculpture wears a distinctive garment, featuring a long robe that is primarily light-colored with dark accents towards the hem and around the edges. Part of the figure's legs are revealed, dark-colored like the long sleeves and part of the upper garment. The figure is positioned with one arm bent at the elbow, hand raised, and the other arm extending downward. The base of the sculpture has a decorative pattern around its edge. The materials give the sculpture a muted palette. The sculpture seems to represent an individual from a specific cultural or historical context.