Mision Santa Margarita

1935/1942

James Jones

Associated Names
James Jones

Artist, American, active 1932 - 1942

The image shows a front view of a mission-style building labeled "Mision Santa Margarita" with the date "1797" on a banner at the bottom. The view captures the symmetrical architectural features of the building, emphasizing the central arched doorway flanked by pillars, a quatrefoil window, circular windows, and a cross on the gable. The background is plain with no horizon line. The drawing uses precise pencil shading to depict the building realistically, focusing on texture and shadow to create depth. The color palette is grayscale, highlighting the architectural details and suggesting an antique and robust feel.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    lithograph on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Index of American Design

  • Dimensions

    overall: 30.5 x 22.9 cm (12 x 9 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.8.619

More About this Artwork

This painting depicts an angel in flight, facing the left and playing a trumpet. The angel's wings are spread out behind them, and their feet are extended out horizontally to the right. A small rod or post extends downward from the torso of the angel. The angel is entirely painted in shades of yellow, reddish-brown, and gray, reminiscent of weathered metal with patches of rust. Small rivets are visible at joints and edges of the angel, which appears to be comprised of small panels. The background of the painting is plain beige paper.

Article:  Seven Highlights from the Index of American Design

Peer into the American past with a collection of Great Depression–era watercolors.

Artwork history & notes

Inscriptions

lower right in graphite: RC; lower center in plate: 1797 / Mision Santa Margarita

Wikidata ID

Q64580431

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