Christmas Eve, Taos Pueblo
Artist
Gene Kloss
(American, 1903 - 1996)
Date1936
MediumAquatint and drypoint
DimensionsImage: 11 × 13 7/8 in. (27.9 × 35.2 cm)
Plate Mark: 11 × 13 7/8 in. (27.9 × 35.2 cm)
Support: 14 5/8 × 17 1/8 in. (37.1 × 43.5 cm)
Mat: 22 × 28 in. (55.9 × 71.1 cm)
Plate Mark: 11 × 13 7/8 in. (27.9 × 35.2 cm)
Support: 14 5/8 × 17 1/8 in. (37.1 × 43.5 cm)
Mat: 22 × 28 in. (55.9 × 71.1 cm)
ClassificationsGraphic
Credit LineOn long term loan from the Fine Arts Program, Public Buildings Service, U.S. General Services Administration
Object number787.23G
DescriptionNative Americans in procession caring a sculpture of Mary in a niche, walking toward the pueblo. Adobe in background in multi-tied with ladders, doors and lanterns.eMuseum Notes
In this
print Gene Kloss captures the spectacle of the Christmas Eve Procession at Taos
Pueblo. Just before sunset as Christmas Eve mass ends, crowds gather to sing
hymns and watch a group of men carry the statue of Mary from San Geronimo
Church through the Pueblo, which is dramatically lit by large bonfires. After
the statue is returned to the church the community and visitors gather around
the glowing fires.
The rich velvety black produced by the aquatint is ideal for night scenes. The luminous glow at the head of the procession is achieved by carefully burnishing the plate and etching in the figures, pulling the dramatic scene out of darkness.
On View
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