Retablo-Our Lady of Sorrows "Nuestra Senora de los Siete Dolores c. 1938

Curator: The somber tones here really resonate, don’t they? Editor: Indeed. We are looking at “Retablo-Our Lady of Sorrows “Nuestra Senora de los Siete Dolores", created circa 1938 by Majel G. Claflin. Executed in watercolor and drawing, it's quite striking in its figuration and medieval influences. Curator: There's something incredibly poignant about her gaze. Those downturned eyes and subtle expression really speak volumes. Almost like a muted scream. Editor: Absolutely. The artist's manipulation of form – particularly the stylized, almost caricature-like rendering of the figure – emphasizes the emotional weight. The color palette reinforces the sobriety, while the halo seems to intensify the figure’s isolation, marking her out. Curator: That’s it, the stark contrasts draw attention to her pained composure and the formalised vertical composition reinforces the symbolic character. What do you make of the sort of Medieval aspect in such a piece? Editor: Ah, the deliberate choice to engage with Medieval stylistic conventions, that adds a rich layer of signification. It almost positions the artwork as a timeless representation of suffering. Claflin creates a flattening of space, reminiscent of icons and traditional retablos. Curator: The way light hits this painting makes it really stand out, especially in her eyes. It is hard to miss the somber mood! Editor: It's remarkable how such subtle watercolor applications manage to evoke such a potent, deeply felt emotional response. Curator: Exactly! What a statement on grief and motherhood; almost visceral despite its simplicity! It just shows how formalism when combined with emotion really speaks! Editor: Agreed! "Our Lady of Sorrows" has truly offered us an affecting glimpse into artistic ingenuity, by the hand of Majel G. Claflin.