Plate 10: Holy Ghost (Lunette): From Portfolio "Spanish Colonial Designs of New Mexico" 1935 - 1942

Editor: So, this is Plate 10, “Holy Ghost (Lunette): From Portfolio ‘Spanish Colonial Designs of New Mexico’", made sometime between 1935 and 1942. It looks like a watercolor drawing of a decorative element, almost like a painted design for a church. It feels very stylized and flat. What stands out to you in this image? Curator: The most potent image is, undoubtedly, the dove. Note how the Holy Spirit, rendered as a dove, is crowned by radiant lines— sun rays. It's placed within a lunette inscribed with “A” and “R." This configuration, repeated across centuries, collapses time and theology. What emotions does this symbol evoke? Editor: Hmm… a sense of reverence, definitely. But the letters "A" and "R"...do you know what they might stand for? Curator: Ah, an excellent question! Such combinations serve as acronyms, and sometimes deliberate obscurations meant to focus on the ineffable, unseen mystery, not just the concrete reality. The surrounding decorative designs are stylized further; even more evocative than descriptive. Don’t you feel the intention here is to inspire devotion, not illustrate scripture? Editor: Yes, I see what you mean. It's not literal, it’s more about creating a feeling through the visual language and cultural symbols. Curator: Precisely! The power of this image lies in its synthesis of faith and artistic expression, drawing on a well of collective memory. Have you seen other works where cultural memory is used this way? Editor: This reminds me of folk art traditions in other cultures that incorporate symbolic imagery. It all has this deeply ingrained symbolic weight carried through time. Curator: Indeed. Each viewing, each creation, strengthens this link. A lovely reminder that artistic interpretation and meaning are in constant dialogue.