The last stop on the Sister Jeanne Art History Tour of Taos is the church of San Francisco de Asis in Ranchos de Taos, which is just outside Taos on the south side of town.
As the tourism information specialist told me when I first got to Taos, “This is one of the most photographed and painted churches in the world.” It is the subject of paintings by Georgia O’Keeffe and photos by Ansel Adams among others.
While I was visiting to take photos, there were seven other photographers there, engaged in serious art-making. I had to jockey around to get pictures without them in the frame. Of course, that would have been part of the story, too.
I have no photos of the interior, as they request that we not take them. I did buy a couple of postcards, but I try to avoid copyright infringement. However, you can find more information on Wikipedia, among other sites you can Google.
It was built between 1772 and 1816 and requires constant upkeep. I attended mass there on Sunday, and the priest was talking about the work that would be required to replaster the building. They call it “enjarrar”.
Here you can see a damaged portion of the exterior. You can also see the straw that is used in the mixture. What happens when you take care of an adobe building faithfully? You get the Taos Pueblo.
What happens when you don’t maintain the building? They don’t last as long.
That St. Francis of Asis church at Ranchos de Taos has to have the most photogenic shadows of any church I have ever taken pictures of. 🙂
Isn’t it lovely? I’m so glad they have maintained it so faithfully.
Kim, I’m glad you informed us that this is part of the “Sister Jeanne Art History Tour of Taos.” This is wonderful and the Stella Franciscans can be very proud that what she shared with her students has continued to resonate with them and be shared with others through them!
Yes, Kathy, Sister Jeanne left quite a legacy, didn’t she?