It is difficult for us to imagine the scope and complexity of a full mission complex. At their peak most of the missions consisted of a score of buildings extending over several acres, organized around a central quadrangle. This depiction of San Gabriel is the first oil painting ever done of a California mission. It was painted in 1832 by Ferdinand Deppe, a German agent for a company that bought hides and tallow from the missions in 1830s. In his spare time Deppe collected birds, plants and shells..and taught himself to paint.