San Antonio 1718: Art from Mexico

San Antonio 1718 is a book that explores the art and culture of San Antonio during the Spanish colonial period. It features 100 portraits, landscapes, religious paintings, and devotional and secular objects that reveal the visual culture that reflected and supported the region's evolving world view. The book is organized into three sections, accompanied by five discussions by internationally recognized scholars.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2018
Publisher: Trinity University Press,U.S.

Three hundred years ago, San Antonio emerged as a strategic outpost, established as a vital node of presidios and missions on the fringes of northern New Spain. Its establishment marked the imposition of Spanish political and religious principles upon this contentious and often hostile region, shaping its cultural landscape for centuries to come. While the city's numerous Catholic missions bear architectural remnants of their founding era, few individuals have traversed these sacred sites without contemplating the lives of those who once inhabited them and the experiences, values, and thoughts that shaped their existence.

San Antonio 1718 presents a rich tapestry of art that vividly portrays a harmonious fusion of diverse cultures. Explorers, colonialists, and indigenous Native Americans coexisted within this vibrant city, contributing to its unique identity. The book is structured into three compelling sections, each accompanied by insightful discussions by esteemed scholars with expertise in key aspects of eighteenth-century northern New Spain.

The first section, aptly titled "People and Places," delves into art that portrays the everyday lives of ordinary individuals. This art form is particularly rare, as most painting and sculpture from this period were commissioned by the church, the crown, or affluent families. These captivating artworks offer a profound window into the perspectives of those living in the Spanish Colonies, shedding light on their views on gender, social organization, ethnicity, occupation, attire, household furnishings, and architectural styles.

Since portraiture emerged as the most popular genre of eighteenth-century and early nineteenth-century Mexican painting, the second section, "Cycle of Life," showcases a selection of individual and family portraits that capture people at various stages of their lives. These portraits provide a poignant glimpse into the human experience, capturing the joys, sorrows, and complexities of existence.

The third and most extensive section of the book is dedicated to the church, which played a central role in the colonial period of New Spain. Catholic evangelization went hand in hand with military, economic, and political expansion, as all major religious orders, including the Franciscans, Dominicans, Jesuits, and Augustinians, actively contributed to the spread of Christianity in the region.

The city of San Antonio stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Spanish colonialism, showcasing a harmonious blend of cultural heritage and religious devotion. Its rich artistic legacy and historical significance continue to captivate and inspire visitors from around the world, offering a glimpse into the complex tapestry of the past.

Weight: 1290g
Dimension: 227 x 287 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781595348340