Mission San Xavier Del Bac Photo Safari

---

My online photography friend TJ and I happened to be in Tucson at the same time, and decided to go on a photo shoot together. We belong to two photography groups where we upload our photos and discuss our craft.

He was camped in his trailer west of the Tucson Mountains in Tucson Mountain Park. I picked him up at his site in The Beast, and we set out for Mission San Xavier Del Bac several miles to the south, with our photo gear.

The day featured an Arizona blue cloud spangled sky; a perfect backdrop for the white facade of the Franciscan mission situated on the Tohono O’odham Indian Reservation.

The inside of the chapel is adorned with statues, icons, mural paintings and ornamentation; a rich tapestry of historic regional culture.

Construction of the current church began in 1783 and was completed in 1797. Constructed of low-fire clay brick, stone and lime mortor, the entire structure is roofed with masonary vaults.

Little is known about the people who decorated the interior. The artwork was most likely created by artists from Queretero in New Spain (now Mexico). The sculpture was created in guild workshops and carried by donkey through the Pimeria Alta to its destination at the Mission. Craftsmen created gessoed clothing once the sculpture was in place. There are numerous references to the Franciscan cord both on the facade and throughout the church.

The Baroque architecture style features playful dramatic elements such as theatrical curtain displays, faux doors, marbleing, and overall sense of balance.

Post Script. We are going to have some serious freezing temperatures in Tuscon the next few nights. Burrr!!!

Paddy

---

Photos

Himself in Composition
Paddy making a photo at the mission, as pictured by his friend TJ.

Comments

[Dave]

Great captures, Paddy. Mare and I have never stopped there . . . seems we're always heading someplace we need to be at a certain time and don't have time, or on our way home afterward and have be be home to feed the cats! One of these days, we'll make it our destination. Thanks for sending. Dave and Mare

[Jimmy]

Nice
Nice work Paddy. What a great way to spend time when traveling!

[Lemon]

Photo picks
I like #'s 14, 15, and 16. You should promote those pix to architects, and architectural magazines. I know you had a great time taking photographs, good for you.

[Terry]

Mission
Pat and I visited the mission one Sunday in July a few years back. A dog slept in front of an oscillating fan while Mass was being celebrated. We sat in pews and sweated. July is not exactly the coolest month of the year to visit Tucson! Stay warm!

[Julia A Knaake]

Mission San Xavier del Bac
I fell in love with the white dove of the desert when I was 13 and I still have the pictures I took in 1956. So glad you two photographers got to meet up for a shoot Please stay warm....Julia

[Marty Mackin Izen]

WOW!!
Beautiful - utterly beautiful. Keep up the good work and stay safe and warm. Love you Paddy!