This is a photograph of a painting by Chris Siemer titled "Landing of Cabrillo". It depicts the Portuguese explorer and conquistador, Juan Rodri´guez Cabrillo landing in San Diego Bay. Rodri´guez Cabrillo is noted for being the first European explorer to navigate the coast of present day California in the United States while sailing for Spain. Although the subject matter seen here is that of Juan Rodri´guez Cabrillo, this painting was possibly one of many that Siemer created for display by the L.A. Chamber of Commerce. Muralist, painter Christian Siemer (1874-1940) was born in New Zealand and settled in Los Angeles in 1906 at the age of 32. He was soon commissioned by the Chamber of Commerce to paint a series of mural-size canvases to promote the area. A master of color and composition, architecture was often included in his paintings. Siemer resided and was active in Los Angeles until his death on February 6, 1940.
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