Mission Concepcion
by Priscilla Burgers
Title
Mission Concepcion
Artist
Priscilla Burgers
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Image is Mission Concepcion in San Antonio, Texas. This beautiful stone church took 20 years to build. The least restored of the colonial structures within the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, it looks very much as it did over two centuries ago. Due to the fact that it was built directly on bedrock, it never lost its roof or its integrity. In its heyday, Moorish designs mixed with colorful images showing both Native American and Spanish Catholic influences covered the front of the church and most of the church and convento interiors.The exterior patterns have long since faded or been worn away. However, there are four rooms in which one can see remaining tediously applied frescos with all their detail and creativity. The church of Mission Concepcion is an excellent example of Spanish Colonial architecture. Intricate Renaissance and Moorish details are combined with Romanesque forms and gothic arches. The church is a cruciform (cross-shaped) building. The roof is vaulted with a dome, with which recent research suggests a deliberate placement of windows to illuminate the two side altars on specific feast days. Mission builders, skilled master craftsmen recruited from Mexico, preserved the basic Spanish model, with modifications dictated by frontier conditions. The limestone quarry from which the mission Indians dug the stone to build their community is located on the grounds of Mission Concepcion. The church walls are 45 inches thick; however only the inside and outside facings are of solid stone. Between the two layers is a filling of small stones and building debris. The native residents of the missions provided labor for the building of these churches. This was one way of fostering a sense of community and providing a means of training the mission residents as artisans.
FAA Featured Photo:
Texas Landscape and Landmark Photography Group - 09/01/2014
FAA Featured Photo:
Christian Art and Photography Group - 09/02/2014
FAA Featured Photo:
Christian Theme Artwork Group - 09/03/2014
Uploaded
July 21st, 2013
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Viewed 934 Times - Last Visitor from Durham, NC on 04/15/2024 at 5:49 AM
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