academicanarchist - 10-14-2006 at 04:22 AM
These are murals from two different parts of the convent at Actopan. Two are from the open chapel located to one side of the church, and were intended
for instruction of basic doctrine to the Indians, particularly the dangers of going to hell. The mural of several religious figures came from the
walls in a stairwell and was for the edification of the Augustinians who resided at the convent. I have visited a number of 16th century convents with
surviving open chapels, but have seen thiis type of mural art only at Actopan. Nothing similar survives at the other sites I have visited. The
missionaries in Baja California would have used similar graphics to instruct the natives.
Actopan murals
academicanarchist - 10-14-2006 at 04:23 AM
Actopan murals
academicanarchist - 10-14-2006 at 04:24 AM
Huejotzingo Mural
academicanarchist - 10-14-2006 at 04:28 AM
Murals survive at otheer 16th century convents within the cloisters, the area where the missionaries lived and worked. They are generally on the walls
of rooms, not exposed to the elements as is the case at Actopan. This is a mural at Huejotzingo in Puebla, that depicts the first 12 Franciscans who
came to Mexico in 1524.
Oso - 10-14-2006 at 10:20 AM
If you're still in the area, you really ought to try to get back by Ixmiquilpan to see the murals. From 1550, they are a bit earlier, much more
"indigenous", less Spanish influenced.
http://www.interamericaninstitute.org/mural_art.htm
Next Ecursion
academicanarchist - 10-14-2006 at 02:51 PM
Our next excursion will be to Molango and Huejutla, both in Hidalgo. Should get back to Ixmiquilpan one of these days.