La Purisima Mission

Lompoc California

10 wide x 13 high inches

Inkjet Print on Luster Paper

Unframed 125.00

Unframed and Double Matted 150.00

Framed 225.00

Stunningly beautiful and moving image of the altar and wall murals at the restored La Purisima Mission in Lompoc California.  The image features a statue of the Virgin Mary in prayer, standing in a Trompe L'oeil painted alcove. The virgin stands over a small but elaborate altar, crowned by Jesus on the crucifix.  The altar and statue are flanked by eight black and yellow painted candlesticks. The pastel colors, unified  palette, and soft shadows make it difficult to distinguish between real objects and the  painted elements of the scene, giving the image an ethereal mood.  Vetter's choice of angle centers the composition on the crucifixion, a technique often used in classical religious painting to focus the viewer's attention on the figure of Jesus Christ.

La Purisima Mission was the eleventh of the twenty-one Spanish Missions established in Spanish ruled Alta California, what later became the state of California.   Mision La Purisima Concepcion de Maria Santisima was founded on December 8, 1787 by Franciscan Padre Presidente Fermin Francisco Lasuen.  A major earthquake struck La Purisima on December 21, 1812, destroying many of the Mission's structures. The mission was rebuilt on a new site a few miles away, but again fell into ruin by the beginning of the 20th century.  Reconstruction of the Mission complex began in 1934. The buildings and grounds were restored and furnished to appear as they had in 1820.

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 to visit the mission's official web site