Light and Shade, Taxco

John Taylor Arms

Fletcher noted that Arms stated in two letters that he was dissatisfied with the Charles White printing and wanted to destroy all of the editon of 94. Sixty-seven prints were totally undesirable and he did destroy at least fifteen. David Strang then printed an edition of 185.

John Taylor Arms depicts the mountain city of Taxco de Alarcon, Guererro, Mexico, known today simply as Taxco. Built by Spanish colonizers around their silver mining operations beginning in the 16th century, the prominent architectural features shown in this image reflect a multitude of styles, but most prominently, the elaborate Baroque profile of Santa Prisca Church. Most significantly, however, might be his dedication to the chiaroscuro effect of evening light on the entire city, and despite the complexity of the scene spread before him, there is an overarching balance in the deep shadows and bright highlights he has depicted throughout.

Having been trained as an architect before pursuing an art career, Arms’ fascination and admiration of the Gothic, Baroque, and Tudor styles of Europe was indefatigable. However, World War II temporarily ended his travels across the pond, and he turned his attention to Mexico, where he found a treasure trove of “Churrigueresque”, also known as “Ultra Baroque”, colonial Spanish churches, cathedrals, and more. Taxco’s architecture remains a focal point for artists today.