The Viceroyalty of New Spain

1535–1821 CE

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The Spanish Viceroyalty of New Spain consisted of Mexico, much of Central America, parts of the West Indies, the southwestern and central United States, Florida, and the Philippines

16th-Century Transformations

Spanish invasions and conquestsbrought massive transformations to the Indigenous cultures across the area claimed for Spain

featherwork showing the virgin mary

Portraits

Portraits were a powerful way to construct and advertise one’s identity and social status in New Spain

portrait of sor juana seated at a desk looking out at us while she leafs through a book
a woman looks at us while wearing a floral crown and blue cape while holding a floral candle and crucifix
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Objects for Elite Homes

Many of the surviving objects from New Spain once decorated elite homes, from folding screens called biombos to shell-inlaid paintings (enconchados)

the virgin of guadalupe is encased in light and made of shiny shell with scenes surrounding her
Garden Party on the Terrace of a Country Home, c. 1720–30 CE, folding screen, oil paint on canvas with gold, Mexico. Denver Art Museum.
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Art and Faith

A great deal of art was made for church spaces and performances

a space is filled with designs on the ceiling of a church in Oaxaca

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Related Resources

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