La Purisima Concepcion Mission Wall Painting from the Portfolio "Decorative Art of Spanish California"

1935/1942

American 20th Century

Associated Names
American 20th Century

Artist

The image displays an abstract design with a large, symmetrical, urn-like shape in the center. It is adorned with curving lines and dotted patterns, resembling a decorative vase or ancient pottery with outward-looping handles. Smaller abstract flower-like motifs float above and to the sides of the main form. A horizontal band at the bottom features a repeating diamond pattern reminiscent of tiled design commonly found in ornamental borders.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    screenprint on paperboard

  • Credit Line

    Index of American Design

  • Dimensions

    overall: 45.7 x 35.5 cm (18 x 14 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.8.18133

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

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Artwork history & notes

Inscriptions

lower center: Wall Painting - La Purisima Conception Mission/ Index of American Design; lower left: DECORATIVE ARTS OF SPANISH CALIFORNIA; lower right: W.P.A. ART PROJECT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Wikidata ID

Q64535586

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