{"product_id":"1942-mission-san-gabriel-oil-painting-california","title":"1942 Mission San Gabriel Oil Painting California Soeur Leon de la Croix","description":"\u003cp\u003eDating to \u003cb\u003e1942\u003c\/b\u003e, this original oil painting on canvas depicts the historic \u003cb\u003eMission San Gabriel Arcángel in California\u003c\/b\u003e, 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 \u003cb\u003e“Soeur Leon de la Croix,”\u003c\/b\u003e creating a possible connection with Bernadette Roy, sister of Canadian novelist Gabrielle Roy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the lower right corner is the date \u003cb\u003e1942\u003c\/b\u003e, beneath a small cypher or monogram consisting of a cross and an angular letter or symbol, possibly a \u003cb\u003eJ\u003c\/b\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf particular interest are the inscriptions on the original wooden stretcher. Written across the upper stretcher is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e“Mission San Gabriel Californie U.S.A.”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElsewhere appears the name:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e“Soeur Leon de la Croix”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne intriguing possibility is that this refers to \u003cb\u003eBernadette Roy (1897–1970)\u003c\/b\u003e, the elder sister of celebrated French-Canadian novelist \u003cb\u003eGabrielle Roy\u003c\/b\u003e. Bernadette Roy was a teaching nun whose religious name was \u003cb\u003eSœur Léon-de-la-Croix\u003c\/b\u003e, a name documented by Library and Archives Canada.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is an additional inscription scratched into the stretcher that appears to read \u003cb\u003e“Mlle de M. et Mde Alexandre Dionne epicerie,”\u003c\/b\u003e possibly relating to an owner at the time the painting was framed or reframed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMeasurements\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDisplay area: 11 3\/4 inches by 15 1\/2 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFramed: 18 inches by 22 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painting is in very good condition with no noted wear, fading or other defect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn unusual \u003cb\u003e1942 California Mission oil painting\u003c\/b\u003e, made particularly interesting by its period inscriptions and possible association with \u003cb\u003eSœur Léon-de-la-Croix \/ Bernadette Roy\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Poppy's Vintage Clothing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47999466078313,"sku":null,"price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0273\/1559\/files\/San-Gabriel-1942-Oil-Painting.jpg?v=1788561091","url":"https:\/\/www.poppysvintageclothing.com\/products\/1942-mission-san-gabriel-oil-painting-california","provider":"Poppy's Vintage Clothing","version":"1.0","type":"link"}