surfaced over with stucco, most of which has eroded and fallen off, distinct traces yet remain to the closely examining eye of the inscribing floral surface designs with which the stucco surface was covered and which here and there still bear distinct traces of the applied coloring. In general the passion flower was the prevailing motive. Higher up on the towers more distinct remains of the coloring yet exist notably in the voussoirs of the arched openings in the belfry towers—brilliant
blues, reds and yellows of an original quality that may still be identified upon close hand scrutiny.
The defensive walls which, with the outbuildings, usually encompassed the mission chapels shown in the illustrations, have in many cases crumbled away, but one can readily picture the original ensemble and not a great stretch of imagination is required to people the enclosed compound with the animated life which at one time must have contributed to a strikingly picturesque whole. One can still see the white robed monks of the old orders who ventured into this one time savage wilderness passing back and forth among or standing to address an assemblage of their aboriginal
wards garbed in all the brilliant coloring of their many lined blankets and vivid headdress; while in the near background, pacing slowly before the gorgeously carved portal of the mission chapel, a Spanish sentry in mediaeval breastplate and helmet with his glittering halberd adds the finishing touch to the pictorial composition. The color in the foreground, vivid and vibrant, merging in the equally brilliant polychrome of the facade and mellowed into an encompassing golden glow by
the rays of the afternoon sun! Truly a subject for the palette of a Titian!
Of the outlying missions the Mission de la Purissima Concepcion is the best preserved, standing very nearly intact and still being used by the Catholic Church for regular services. Inside the chapel, whitewash has done its best to eliminate the artistic charm of the old stone walls and ceiling. Architecturally it is perhaps the best example although well informed opinion differs between that and the Mission of San Jose with its single tower and elaborately carved main portal. This latter feature by the way, the decorative carving, is one of the marvels of these early structures.
MAIN FRONT OF THE HISTORIC ALAMO, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
Now used as a museum. The heroic story of this building is familiar to all. It was formerly the chapel of the Mission
Fan Antonio de Valero and was founded in 1718
blues, reds and yellows of an original quality that may still be identified upon close hand scrutiny.
The defensive walls which, with the outbuildings, usually encompassed the mission chapels shown in the illustrations, have in many cases crumbled away, but one can readily picture the original ensemble and not a great stretch of imagination is required to people the enclosed compound with the animated life which at one time must have contributed to a strikingly picturesque whole. One can still see the white robed monks of the old orders who ventured into this one time savage wilderness passing back and forth among or standing to address an assemblage of their aboriginal
wards garbed in all the brilliant coloring of their many lined blankets and vivid headdress; while in the near background, pacing slowly before the gorgeously carved portal of the mission chapel, a Spanish sentry in mediaeval breastplate and helmet with his glittering halberd adds the finishing touch to the pictorial composition. The color in the foreground, vivid and vibrant, merging in the equally brilliant polychrome of the facade and mellowed into an encompassing golden glow by
the rays of the afternoon sun! Truly a subject for the palette of a Titian!
Of the outlying missions the Mission de la Purissima Concepcion is the best preserved, standing very nearly intact and still being used by the Catholic Church for regular services. Inside the chapel, whitewash has done its best to eliminate the artistic charm of the old stone walls and ceiling. Architecturally it is perhaps the best example although well informed opinion differs between that and the Mission of San Jose with its single tower and elaborately carved main portal. This latter feature by the way, the decorative carving, is one of the marvels of these early structures.
MAIN FRONT OF THE HISTORIC ALAMO, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
Now used as a museum. The heroic story of this building is familiar to all. It was formerly the chapel of the Mission
Fan Antonio de Valero and was founded in 1718