The painting of nuns crowned, constituted one of the most important baroque representations of New Spain. The majorityof these paintings were elaborate during the first years of the century XIX, when the style neoclásico introduced itself to Mexico (the Academis of San Carlos, that prompted the new artistic changes, was inaugurated in 1785). Therefore, the study of these portraits of nuns, expresses not only the the artistic styles of that period, but to the characteristics of the distinct religious orders. The exuberance of their attires as well as the characteristics of the coronation joined in solemn ceremonies of the women who linked their conventual lives, were crowned of flowers in the transcendent moments of their existence.
Their profession celebrated their commitment and devotion to God. Portraits were done to preserve the characteristics of the religious virtuous upon entering the convent. To have a family member devoted to the services of the Church, was an honor. To conserve upon a canvas the image of a daughter that took the vows and then cloistered, was a distinguished piece of artwork to display. Documents show that portraits of the religious were also crowned with flowers in other ceremonies, such as the parties of a jubilee in which they commemorated fifty years of a religious life or when they were named abbesses of their convents.
The portraits maintain certain iconography that retain the same attributes: the crowns, the palms, the candles and the infant Jesus sculptures. However, it turns out to be evident that the attires and floral arrangements are distinct and they show the personal flavor of those who wore them.
- Information gathered from the book
“Monjas Coronadas” Círculo de Arte
