The Viceroyalty of New Spain
1535–1821 CE
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
Books and Codices
The Codex Mendoza, c. 1541 CE
Commissioned by Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza to document tribute, daily life, and more in the Aztec Empire
This primary source activity focuses on an illustrated page from the Codex Mendoza and tribute in the Aztec Empire. The chosen page is visually exciting, with jaguars, birds, and cacao!
This primary source activity focuses on decoding symbols in the Codex Mendoza's image of Tenochtitlan, the capital city of the Aztec Empire.
Portraits
Portraits were a powerful way to construct and advertise one’s identity and social status in New Spain
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)
Art and Faith
A great deal of art was made for church spaces and performances
VIDEO: José Campeche y Jordán, The Nativity, Puerto Rico
Explore Artists
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![portrait of sor juana de la cruz at a desk looking out at us]()
Miguel Cabrera
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![Illustration of an Indigenous person from Mesoamerica kneeling and placing a round shield with feathers on tiled floor within a stone building, with mountains visible outside.]()
Amanteca (featherworkers)
Important Individuals in New Spain
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![portrait of sor juana de la cruz at a desk looking out at us]()
Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz
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![A historical portrait of a bearded man in ornate armor, holding a staff, with a coat of arms above him, painted in a classical style.]()
Hernán Cortés
Related Resources
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