Assignment 4B

“Monument of Junípero Serra (with Juaneño Indian boy) on plaza”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Mission_San_Juan_Capistrano_4-5-05_100_6535.JPG#filelinks

I came across this monument or sculpture of Junipero Serra while researching his life and travels throughout Mexico and California. It connects to our study of humanities by illustrating exactly what Junipero Serra represented in molding Latin America into what we know it to be today. He was a Father, a guide, a beacon of what was trying to be impressed upon the natives as “right and righteous” – for better or for worse.

In this monument/sculpture I see the figure of a trusted man, embracing a young man with his hand outreached to the heavens in what I think is the receiving and transmitting of some sort of blessing. In my research I found out that Junipero Serra used drama and sensationalization to drive home his point. Perhaps that was what was being used here.
What I find interesting about this piece of art is the amazing attention to detail, including the rosary beads, the creases in his robe and his hair. Excellent work by the sculptor.

What I’d like to know about this composition is exactly what was Junipero Serra was doing and how often did he perform this act? As I mentioned, he was known for his powerful speaking and dramatic demonstrations. Was this one of them caught in time?