Plate 24: The Lost Child of Atocha: From Portfolio "Spanish Colonial Designs of New Mexico" 1935 - 1942

This devotional image of The Lost Child of Atocha was made in New Mexico during the Spanish Colonial period. The anonymous artist mixed watercolors and graphite to bring the little saint to life. I imagine them carefully considering the colors, like how the light green of his dress sits with the red trim. You see how the artist outlined everything in ink first? It’s funny how that gives it this graphic feel. What’s so striking about the figure is the way they’re surrounded by these little details, like the flowers, the dark blue curtain, and his little hat with a feather on top. He even has a basket and walking stick! He’s so cute, you know? It makes me want to get my watercolors out and play! This artist may have been inspired by the religious art of the time, and they probably had a unique vision that came from their own personal experience. It reminds me of how artists are always looking at each other’s work, riffing, borrowing, and remixing to create something new.