How about stepping back in time to meet Henri Penelon? He was Los Angeles’ first professional artist. Though not directly tied to Laurel Street Baptist Church, his story enriches our understanding of early Los Angeles.
Penelon’s journey began in Lyon, France. In 1853 at 28 years old, he arrived in the sun-drenched pueblo. He quickly established himself as a “French” artist and photographer. Imagine the scene. The pueblo already had three amateur photographers and about 200 French residents.
Penelon opened a gallery on Main Street. It was near where early French settlers had planted their roots. He captured Southern California’s leading Mexican families in his art. He used both canvas and photographs.
When Penelon wasn’t painting, he helped the sick. He comforted people during bereavement. Penelon was one of the founders of the French Benevolent Society.
In 1856, he immortalized Jose Andres Sepulveda. Sepulveda owned the winning horse, Black Swan. Penelon’s painting captured Black Swan’s victory. The horse raced 18 miles against Pio Pico’s horse. The prize was $25,000, plus a lot of livestock. Today, you can view this painting at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana.
Penelon also created cartes de visite. These playing-card-sized prints became popular. People used them as calling cards. He also did a booming business in hand-painted photos.
In 1861, Penelon added ornamental touches to La Placita church. He painted the Madonna and Child above the door. He inscribed on the wall “Los Fieles de Esta Parroquia a la Reina de Los Angeles, 1861.”
Penelon teamed up with Swedish photographer Valentin Wolfenstein. This partnership helped his career soar. He married Emilie Henriot. They had two children, Hortense and Honore.
He painted an idyllic scene of a swan and a rabbit. Penelon signed it “H. Penelon 1871.” It is on display at the Natural History Museum’s Seaver Center.
The prominent Mexican families embraced Penelon. They called him “Horatio” and “Honore.” Before his death in 1874, he created portraits of the pueblo’s founders.
Today, the Seaver Center holds 13 of Penelon’s oil portraits. His artwork forms the family album of early Los Angeles. While we reflect on Laurel Street Baptist Church, remember Penelon. He captured the spirit of Los Angeles’ early pioneers. His art reminds us of the city’s vibrant history.