This is a photograph of a painting by Chris Siemer titled "Marshall discovering gold". It depicts James W. Marshall as he discovered gold in 1848. 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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