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Gene Kloss, Christmas Eve, Taos Pueblo, 1936, aquatint and drypoint, 11 1/2 x 14 1/2 in. On lon…
Christmas Eve, Taos Pueblo
Gene Kloss, Christmas Eve, Taos Pueblo, 1936, aquatint and drypoint, 11 1/2 x 14 1/2 in. On lon…
Gene Kloss, Christmas Eve, Taos Pueblo, 1936, aquatint and drypoint, 11 1/2 x 14 1/2 in. On long term loan to the New Mexico Museum of Art from the Fine Arts Program, Public Buildings Service, U.S. General Services Administration (787.23G). Photo by Cameron Gay.

Christmas Eve, Taos Pueblo

Artist (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)
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.
Text Entries
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.

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