In 1941 and 1942, prior to his service in the armed forces during World War II, Bearden depicted subjects rooted in his southern experience, often suggesting religious themes. Painted in gouache on large sheets of board or brown paper, these monumental works reflect Bearden's admiration for the massive forms and bold compositions of contemporary Mexican murals by artists such as Diego Rivera.

Gouache with ink and graphite on brown paper.
Collection of Earle Hyman
© Romare Bearden Foundation/Licensed by VAGA, New York, N.Y.

Source: National Gallery of Art, exhibition wall text.