Portrait of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz

Join us on a captivating journey through time and art as we explore the life of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, the most famous woman in colonial Mexico! Discover the fascinating story behind the renowned portrait painted by Miguel Cabrera in the 18th century. Don't miss out on learning about Sor Juana's incredible bravery and passion for knowledge that shines through in the painting.

Sor Juana’s life

Sor Juana lived in 17th-century Mexico, then part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. Miguel Cabrera painted her portrait long after Sor Juana had passed away after getting sick during an epidemic. She was a genius (child prodigy), author, playwright, scholar, and nun. Cabrera's portrait helps us get to know more about the story of women in art by looking at the most famous portrait showing the Mexican nun.

Sor Juana as a nun

In Cabrera’s portrait, Sor Juana is dressed like a nun. Sor Juana became a nun because it allowed her to read and write. The portrait alludes to this! Sor Juana's love for books and learning shines through in the painting. In Sor Juana’s time, it was rare for girls to have much education. She’d eventually get in trouble for her ideas and writings.

Sor Juana also dressed in clothing and accessories that are specific to her life as a nun in colonial Mexico, including nun jewelry!

Cabrera’s portrait in the 18th century

Cabrera used this portrait to comment on Sor Juana as an author and intellectual authority. It was also an important strategy to claim how important New Spain was in the 18th century when he painted this portrait. Today the portrait hangs in the Castillo de Chapultepec in Mexico City.

Main image:

Miguel Cabrera, Portrait of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, c. 1750, oil on canvas. Museo Nacional de Historia, Castillo de Chapultepec, Mexico