Accession Number1971/2.126.2
TitleChurch, Coapiaxtla
Artist(s)Paul StrandArtist NationalityAmerican (North American)Object Creation Date1933, printed 1967Medium & Supportphotogravure on paperDimensions 15 3/4 in x 12 3/8 in (40 cm x 31.4 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Philip C. Davis through the Friends of the Museum of ArtSubject matterThis photograph represents a view of a church in Coapiaxtla. Strand views the church façade through its entrance gate. The arch of the entrance is repeated in the dark arch leading into the church, illustrating Strand's continued interest in the formal play of shapes. The cross atop the entrance is cropped out of frame. The sides of the entrance are framed by the large, almost life-size sculptures of saints that sit atop the square pillars. The church is illuminated by a bright light that shines on the gate and through it, onto the building behind it. The result is intense cast shadows, and a strange, dark night sky in the higher background.
This photograph is from Paul Strand's
The Mexican Portfolio published in 1967 by Paul Strand. The portfolio consists of a series of 20 images depicting Mexico's people, architecture, landscape, and churches. It was first published in 1940 under the name
Photographs of Mexico, and reprinted under Strand's supervision in 1967 as
The Mexican Portfolio.Physical DescriptionThis image depicts a view of a church in Mexico. Light illuminates and silhouettes the structure against a dark sky.
Primary Object ClassificationPhotographCollection AreaPhotographyRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.
Keywords
Mexico
arches
cast shadows
churches
churches (buildings)
crosses
cruciform
doorways
modern and contemporary art
statues