DepartmentHispano

Purple Heart II

NamePainting

CulturePueblo, Isleta; Hispano

Date2004-08

Place madeAlbuquerque, New Mexico, United States, North America

Mediumwood, gesso, acrylics

DimensionsOverall: 36 x 24 x 1 1/2 in. (91.44 x 60.96 x 3.81 cm)

Credit LineGift of Lesley Ryan

Object numberFA.2004.39.1

DescriptionIn the center is a skeleton dressed in a fragmented green soldier's uniform with a tan belt and yellow buckle, and wears a green helmet. The hands and forearms are brown. The right hand is saluting, and the left holds a curved arrow with brown shaft (broken and rejoined) and blue point. Pinned to the right chest of the uniform is a Purple Heart medal. The red, white, and blue design of the U.S. flag swirls around the left side of the figure and behind its head. The background on the figure's right is shades of red, orange, and yellow. A lunette has red and white triangles. The border and sides are black with white flowers, stars, and curlicue designs. The lower half of the piece juts out on each side and the bottom is an arch, which represents a missile or bullet shape. Narrow boards edge the back all around except for the lunette. Signed and dated lower left.