These two paintings are worthy of study for the historical and symbolic
interest. Artistically they are notable chiefly for the remarkable
freshness of coloring and rich mosaic effect. Both are by Edward
Simmons.
Murals in Arch of the Setting Sun, at the west side of the court. The
painting on the north wall should be viewed first. This represents
pioneers from a New England village starting for California. There are
four groups of figures, as follows: 1. two workmen, and a woman holding
a child; 2. a symbolic figure of the Call to Fortune; 3. a group showing
the types of those who crossed the continent-the driver first, and
then the Preacher, the Pioneer, the Judge, and the Schoolmistress (there
are four children also in this group, and at the back is a wagon filled
with household goods); and 4. a youth bidding farewell to his parents as
he starts to join the band of emigrants. At the back of the last group
is seen a typical New England home, and in the distance a New England
meeting-house.
"The Arrival on the Pacific Coast" is the title of the painting on the
opposite wall, which represents the immigrants being welcomed as they
reach California. Here again there are four groups of figures. The first
shows two Spanish-American soldiers and their captain, following a
priest, typical of the days of Spanish rule in California and of the
Mission period.
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