Kurt Baer Papers
Finding aid created by Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library
2023
2201 Laguna Street
Santa Barbara, California 93105
(805) 682-4713, ext. 131
research@sbmal.org
https://www.sbmal.org/
Title: Kurt Baer Papers
Dates: 1903-1979
Collection Number: KB
Creator/Collector:
Baer, Kurt
Extent: ~ 12 linear feet (27 Documents Boxes, 1 Oversize flat file box)
Repository:
Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library
Santa Barbara, California 93105
Abstract: UCSB Professor of Art and Art History Kurt Baer was appointed the official art historian of Franciscan missions in California.
The Kurt Baer Papers represent Dr. Baer's research materials compiled while writing his three books on the missions and their
art and architecture.
Language of Material: English
The collection is open for research use by appointment. To make an appointment call (805) 682-4713 ext. 131 or email research@sbmal.org
[Identification of item]. Kurt Baer Papers. Collection Number: KB. Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library
Biography/Administrative History
Kurt Baer (1903-1979) was born in Switzerland in 1903 and moved to California in 1909 with his family. He went on to study
at U.C. Berkeley and worked in the arts before getting his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California. In 1947, Baer
began teaching art and history at UCSB. While teaching, Baer became interested in California mission art and architecture.
He wrote three books on the topic including: Painting and Sculpture at Mission Santa Barbara (1955), The Treasures of Mission
Santa Ines (1956), and Architecture of California Missions (1958). Baer spent his professional career participating in the
excavation and restoration of several missions and mission era buildings. He was appointed the official art historian of Franciscan
missions in California. In 1960, he received a fellowship from the Organization of American States to lecture and conduct
research in Mexico. In 1961, Baer moved to Peru under the Fulbright program to continue his research and study before returning
to the United States the following year.
Scope and Content of Collection
Kurt Baer’s papers include photographs, correspondence, research materials, notes, and articles on the art and architecture
of Colonial Mexico and the Californian and Sonoran Missions.
Santa Barbara Mission -- Catalogs.
Art, Latin American.
Spanish mission buildings.
Church decoration and ornament -- California -- Santa Barbara.
Religious architecture.
Missions, Spanish -- California.
Santa Inés Mission (Solvang, Calif.).