Caste painting

Caste painting, also known as mestizaje paintings, was a prominent artistic phenomenon in the eighteenth century, specifically in New Spain and the Viceroyalty of Peru. These unique paintings, originated during the Age of Enlightenment, attempted to depict racial diversity in Spanish America, the result of the Conquest and miscegenation between Spaniards, Indians and Africans. This edition dedicated to Caste Painting focuses on the following aspects:

Cultural and social aspects of caste painting

Caste painting offers a deep socio-cultural study of everyday life in that period. It reflects aspects such as clothing, trousseau, food, and other elements that describe the cultural and social practices of the time.
These paintings were an important representation of the different combinations between the three main races that coexisted in the main viceroyalties. In addition, the quote “The painting of castes as mentioned was one of the best in the time of the viceroyalty since with these they represented their gods” highlights its religious and cultural value.

Notable artists and catalogued works

• Paintings by Miguel Cabrera, made in 1763.
• Paintings by anonymous authors.
• Paintings by Andrés de Islas, completed in 1774.
• Paintings by José Joaquín Magón, created in the second half of the eighteenth century, now in the National Museum of Anthropology of Spain.
• Paintings attributed to Cristóbal Lozano and his workshop, commissioned by the viceroy of Peru, Manuel Amat y Junyent, for the Royal Cabinet of Natural History, currently in the National Museum of Anthropology.

Conclusion

Caste painting is a vital part of Latin America’s artistic and historical heritage. It captures the complexity of racial identity during colonial times and also provides invaluable insight into everyday life and cultural beliefs.
The value of these works endures over time, and the works of artists such as Miguel Cabrera, Andrés de Islas and José Joaquín Magón continue to witness a fascinating era in the history of the region.
These paintings are essential for anyone interested in the history of Spanish America, colonial art and cultural diversity.