The Viceroyalty of New Spain

1535–1821 CE

A framed painting of a woman in a nun's habit sitting at a desk with an open book, surrounded by shelves filled with books and other items. The woman holds a rosary, and the room has a red drapery and ornate details, indicative of a historical or religious setting.

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

featherwork showing the virgin mary
Aztec featherworks before and after the conquest
Graphic with "Coming Soon" text and images of a vase, column, and artistic masks.

Books and Codices

Convento (missionary complex) of Izamal

The Codex Mendoza, c. 1541 CE

Commissioned by Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza to document tribute, daily life, and more in the Aztec Empire

The Codex Mendoza and Aztec Tribute Primary Source Activity
The Codex Mendoza and Aztec Tribute Primary Source Activity
Various images like a bird, shield, and costumes are painted on a book page from the Aztec Codex Mendoza
Tenochtitlan and Aztec Symbols | Decoding Activity
Tenochtitlan and Aztec Symbols | Decoding Activity
Tenochtitlan, the Frontispiece of the Codex Mendoza, shows an eagle on a cactus in the middle of a stylized lake

Portraits

Portraits were a powerful way to construct and advertise one’s identity and social status in New Spain

portrait of sor juana seated at a desk looking out at us while she leafs through a book
Portrait of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz by Miguel Cabrera
a woman looks at us while wearing a floral crown and blue cape while holding a floral candle and crucifix
Illustration with classical and cultural symbols, including a Greek column, Roman sculpture, Mayan profile, dragon mask, and vase. Central text reads 'Coming Soon'. Brand logo 'ArtsQ' at bottom.
Beauty marks (chiqueadores) in portraits
Painting of a bearded man in ornate armor holding a staff, with a coat of arms above. Text at the top of the painting describes him as Hernan Cortes, Marquis of the Valley of Oaxaca, conqueror of Oaxaca, first governor, and general captain in 1525.
Portrait of Hernán Cortés, conquistador

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)

the virgin of guadalupe is encased in light and made of shiny shell with scenes surrounding her
Inlaid Shell (enconchado) objects
Garden Party on the Terrace of a Country Home, c. 1720–30 CE, folding screen, oil paint on canvas with gold, Mexico. Denver Art Museum.
Folding screens (biombos)
Illustration with historical and cultural icons and text 'Coming Soon'
Casta paintings

Art and Faith

A great deal of art was made for church spaces and performances

a space is filled with designs on the ceiling of a church in Oaxaca
The church of Santo Domingo in Oaxaca and horror vacui

Explore Artists

Important Individuals in New Spain

Related Resources

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