Gonzales Memorial Museum murals - Gonzales, TX
Posted by: 
Raven
N 29° 30.241 W 097° 26.600
14R E 650887 N 3264838
Two indoor murals adorning the walls of the two-room Gonzales Memorial Museum, each depicting the exploration of Texas’ history and culture -- with special emphasis on the local area of Gonzales, Texas.
Waymark Code: WMGDW2
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 02/19/2013
Views: 4
Two indoor murals adorn the two-wing Gonzales Memorial Museum located in Gonzales, Texas. Both are approximately 7 feet tall and 20 feet long, placed high on the west walls of the building. The murals depict the exploration of Texas’ history and culture -- with special emphasis on the local area of Gonzales, Texas.
The mural in the museum's North wing is mostly text on two large tablets: it denotes Gonzales’ role in the Texas Revolution and its early history. The top of the mural reads “Gonzales, The Lexington of Texas”, while several figures surround the two tablets: a portrait of Matthew Caldwell on the left, the Sam Houston Oak in the center between the tablets, and the Pioneer Mother on the right.
The mural in the South wing of the museum depicts a map of the westward-expanding United States, showing the increase in area from the admission of Texas, Oregon and the Mexican Cession of 1848. Three figures at the left are depicted with swords and rifles, and labeled “Gen. Austin First Commander Texas Armies.” On the right is a figure with the “Come and Take It” cannon and battle flag, labeled “The First Battle Flag of Texas.”
The murals were painted in 1938 by James Buchanan (Buck) Winn, Jr. (1905–1979), a Texas muralist, sculptor, architect, and inventor. His murals can be found throughout Texas, all depicting actual and mythical elements of Texas and Southwestern exploration, history, and culture.
The murals were painted using aluminum metal leaf over canvas mounted on plaster, as well as special effects under an over painting of mural detail and thin washes of reduced paint to create translucent color over the metal leaf.
Note: in order to visit this waymark, one must be sure to show up during opening hours as the murals are INSIDE the building. Admission to the museum is free, and its hours of operation are:
Tue-Sat: 10am to 5pm
Sunday: 1pm to 5pm
Monday: closed
City: Gonzales, TX
Location Name: Gonzales Memorial Museum and Amphitheater
Artist: James Buchanan (Buck) Winn, Jr.
Date: 1938
Media: Aluminum metal leaf over canvas mounted on plaster
Relevant Web Site: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
Please give the date and description of your visit. One original photo of the mural must also be submitted. GPSr photo NOT required.