Past Projects
Mission San Juan Capistrano holds a large group of paintings in the permanent collection. Ranging in date from the 18th to the 20th centuries, the paintings help to tell the story of the history and culture here. Due to poor storage practices earlier in the Mission’s history, many of the paintings were in need of conservation. As funds became available through private donations for specific works of art, the following paintings have been cleaned and conserved, one by one.
Susanna and the Elders
Artist Unknown, c. late 18th century
Conserved with funds donated by Tony Montemurro and J.P. Haines and Susan Breslin

Before Conservation

After Conservation
Jesus Looking Over His Shoulder
Artist Unknown, 19th century
Conserved through the generosity of the Women’s Guild

Before Conservation, December 2014

After Conservation, April 2016
Our Lady of Sorrows
Artist Unknown, c. 19th century
Conserved with funding provided by the California Missions Foundation and with private donations made in the memory of long time Mission volunteer, Bev Smith.

Before Conservation, December 2014

After Conservation, January 2016
Jesus Wearing the Crown of Thorns
Artist Unknown, c. 18th century
Conserved through the generosity of the Honorable Warren and Jan Siegel

Before Conservation, December 2014

After Conservation, January 2016
Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
Artist Unknown, c. 19th century
Conserved through the generosity of J.P. Haines and Tony Montemurro in loving memory of Tony’s mother, Mrs. Marie Montemurro (1928-2015)

Before Conservation, December 2014

After Conservation, January 2016
Station of the Cross XII, 1800

Before Conservation, May 2013

After Conservation, May 2014
The Immaculate Conception, c. 1800
Conservation funded by the generosity of Danielle Diestel

Before treatment, July 2013

After Treatment
The Penitent Sinful Woman, c. late 1800s
Conservation funded by the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Beckman

Before treatment, 2011

After Treatment
The Immaculate Conception, c. late 1700s

Before treatment, 2009

After Treatment
There are many more paintings in the Mission’s museum collection that are in need of conservation.
To get involved or to join our Art Guild, please contact Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams at (949) 234-1311 or email mlawrence-adams@missionsjc.com.