John Bond Francisco

John Bond Francisco (December 14, 1863 – January 8, 1931) was an American painter and violinist whose career helped shape the cultural landscape of early Southern California. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, he pursued dual disciplines of music and art from a young age. He studied art and music in Europe—training in Munich and Berlin for music and attending the Académie Julian and Académie Colarossi in Paris for painting under masters such as William Bouguereau, Gustave Courtois and Robert-Fleury. After completing his European studies, he settled in Los Angeles in 1887 and soon became an influential figure: he founded a private academy of art, painted portrait and figure studies early on, but is best known for his sun-washed California landscapes. He co-founded the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra in 1897 and served as its first concertmaster, merging his musical and visual-art identities. His style matured into atmospheric impressionist landscapes of the Californian mountains and deserts, and his remaining works are still bought and sold in the art-market. On the personal side, Francisco was married to Nanette Louise Gottschalk, and they had two children—a son and a daughter. He lived in Los Angeles (his home-studio address was 1401 Albany Street) where his house became a gathering place for artists and musicians. He passed away at his home on January 8, 1931, at age 68, and was buried in Rosedale Cemetery.