1962 Oil on Canvas Painting “Chinese Masonic Temple" by Andrew William Vachon s.j.

Details

Description

Andrew William Vachon S.J. – “Chinese Masonic Temple” (1962) Original Oil on Canvas, Framed

Offered for sale is an original … Read more Andrew William Vachon S.J. – “Chinese Masonic Temple” (1962) Original Oil on Canvas, Framed

Offered for sale is an original oil on canvas painting titled “Chinese Masonic Temple” by Andrew William Vachon, dated July 1962 and identified on the reverse of the canvas. The painting depicts a historic wooden Chinese Masonic Temple building rendered in Vachon’s distinctive textured style, with richly applied paint creating remarkable depth and architectural character.

The composition captures the weathered structure against a softly illuminated sky, emphasizing both the historic significance and rustic charm of the subject. Heavy impasto brushwork throughout the building’s façade gives the work a sculptural quality and strong visual presence.

The painting is housed in its original substantial wood frame, which complements the artwork beautifully and enhances its presentation.

Dimensions:

Canvas: 24” x 18”
Framed: 30” x 24”

Condition:
Very good vintage condition. The painting presents well with no apparent repairs or significant damage noted. Frame shows light age-related wear consistent with its age and use.

A fine mid-century original work by Andrew William Vachon and an excellent addition to any collection of American art, architectural subjects, regional paintings, or vintage oil paintings.

Artist Biography – Andrew William Vachon

Andrew William Vachon (1910–1979) was an American Jesuit priest, artist, and educator whose work bridged spirituality, philosophy, and visual art. He pursued his academic studies at Gonzaga University, earning both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in philosophy in the mid-1930s.

Vachon later returned to Gonzaga in 1965, where he taught photography and served as the university’s artist-in-residence. Over the course of his career, he produced a diverse body of work including paintings, drawings, and prints, often inspired by landscape, memory, and theological reflection.

His artistic style is characterized by a deeply personal and “visionary” approach, blending observed reality with imaginative interpretation. His works frequently explore themes of place, spirituality, and the presence of the divine in everyday environments.

Vachon remained active as both an artist and educator until his death on June 1, 1979, at Gonzaga University. His legacy includes decades of creative output and a lasting influence within the Jesuit and Pacific Northwest artistic communities.

Andrew William Vachon’s work was notably exhibited in the “Vivid in My Mind” show at the Jundt Art Museum at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, from September to December 2015. The exhibition featured about 70 paintings and drawings spanning four decades of his career. Additionally, some of his prints are held in the Whitman College and Northwest Archives in Walla Walla, Washington, and one of his oil paintings is in the collection of the Ketchikan Museums in Alaska. See less