1942 Mission San Gabriel Oil Painting California Soeur Leon de la Croix

Dating to 1942, this original oil painting on canvas depicts the historic Mission San Gabriel Arcángel in California, viewed through a garden of palms and flowering vegetation. The painting is particularly interesting for a series of old inscriptions on its wooden stretcher, including the name “Soeur Leon de la Croix,” creating a possible connection with Bernadette Roy, sister of Canadian novelist Gabrielle Roy.

The Mission San Gabriel architecture is painted in warm ochre tones, partially obscured by palms and dense vegetation. The artist used oils with areas of pronounced texture and heavier brushwork, particularly through the foliage and architectural details.

In the lower right corner is the date 1942, beneath a small cypher or monogram consisting of a cross and an angular letter or symbol, possibly a J. The identity of the artist and meaning of this mark have not been established, although the combination of the cross and letter may have a religious connotation.

Of particular interest are the inscriptions on the original wooden stretcher. Written across the upper stretcher is:

“Mission San Gabriel Californie U.S.A.”

Elsewhere appears the name:

“Soeur Leon de la Croix”

One intriguing possibility is that this refers to Bernadette Roy (1897–1970), the elder sister of celebrated French-Canadian novelist Gabrielle Roy. Bernadette Roy was a teaching nun whose religious name was Sœur Léon-de-la-Croix, a name documented by Library and Archives Canada.

The precise relationship between this inscription and the painting has not been determined. No documentation has been found establishing that Bernadette Roy painted the work. If the inscription does refer to her, it could alternatively identify her as a former owner or recipient of the painting.

There is an additional inscription scratched into the stretcher that appears to read “Mlle de M. et Mde Alexandre Dionne epicerie,” possibly relating to an owner at the time the painting was framed or reframed.

The painting is housed in an older moulded wood frame, although it has not been determined whether this is its original frame. It is possible that the painting was reframed at some point and that some of the inscriptions were added at that time.

Measurements

Display area: 11 3/4 inches by 15 1/2 inches

Framed: 18 inches by 22 inches

Condition

The painting is in very good condition with no noted wear, fading or other defect.

An unusual 1942 California Mission oil painting, made particularly interesting by its period inscriptions and possible association with Sœur Léon-de-la-Croix / Bernadette Roy.