By Virginia Vaughan
Located in Houston, TX
Mission San Jose in San Antonio is known for spectacular architecture, but the dramatic shadow cast by one simple palm tree shows the light and shadow in the painting.
Founding the “Queen of the Missions”
In 1719, Father Margil de Jesús, a seasoned Franciscan missionary, was at Mission San Antonio de Valero (today’s Alamo), awaiting the opportunity to re-establish missions in east Texas. Before too long, he saw need for another mission in the San Antonio River valley. He wrote the Marqués de Aguayo, then governor of the Province of Coahuila and Texas, requesting permission to establish a second mission south of San Antonio de Valero. He felt he was prepared to establish this mission at once as he had necessary church goods with him, even a statue of Saint Joseph.
The Marqués agreed and founding ceremonies took place on February 23, 1720. On February 23, 1720 the Writ of Possession was signed for this mission, read the Writ of Possession here. Leaders of three Indian bands that wanted to come into the mission were appointed governor, judge, and sheriff in the new community of San José y San Miguel de Aguayo. Father Margil entrusted the care of the project to Father Núñez and two soldiers.
The building of the limestone church, with its extraordinary Spanish colonial Baroque architecture and statuary began in 1768 — the peak of this mission’s development. At that time there were 350 Indians residing in 84 two-room apartments. Based on Father Morfi’s description of what he saw here when he visited in 1777, the church of Mission San José came to be known as the “Queen of the Missions.”
V....Vaughan is known for impressionist paintings of wildlife...
Category
2010s American Impressionist Houston - Art
