Colonial Mexican Crowned-Nun Portraits Reveal Elite Status and Family Duty
In colonial Mexico, the most prevalent type of crowned-nun imagery was the profession portraits, which illustrated elite women on the verge of taking their religious vows. A prominent example is the 1777 painting by José de Alcíbar of Sor María Ignacia De La Sangre De Cristo, currently housed at the National Museum of History, Castillo de Chapultepec in Mexico City. Commissioned by her family, the artwork highlights her ceremonial crown, embroidered gown, and jewelry, signifying her noble heritage. The blue cloak she wears represents opulence and connects her to the Virgin Mary. Conversely, not every portrait is extravagant; for instance, José del Castillo's 1769 depiction of Sister María Clara Josefa features a simple cloak. These artworks reveal societal pressures, as numerous women were compelled to enter convents to uphold family honor.
Key facts
- Nun's profession portraits were the largest category of crowned-nun images in colonial Mexico.
- José de Alcíbar painted Sor María Ignacia De La Sangre De Cristo in 1777; it is housed at the National Museum of History, Castillo de Chapultepec, Mexico City.
- The portrait was commissioned by Sor María's family as a memento and displays her crown, embroidered robe, jewelry, and a blue cloak.
- In New Spain, lower-class people were prohibited from wearing certain jewelry, indicating Sor María's elite status.
- The blue cloak, made with costly indigo dye, symbolizes both wealth and religious virtue, linking the nun to the Virgin Mary.
- The Council of Ephesus in 431 CE recognized the worship of the Virgin Mary and her icon's use, popularizing blue robes in Marian imagery.
- José del Castillo's 1769 portrait Sister María Clara Josefa (Museo Nacional de Arte, Mexico City) shows a plain cloak, contrasting with Sor María's opulent attire.
- Many young women in New Spain were forced into convents to avoid family shame, and today portrait photography has largely replaced oil painting for profession portraits.
Entities
Artists
- José de Alcíbar
- José del Castillo
- Sandro Botticelli
- Giovanni Bellini
- James M. Córdova
Institutions
- National Museum of History
- Castillo de Chapultepec
- Museo Nacional de Arte
- Museo Poldi Pezzoli
- Accademia Carrara
Locations
- Mexico
- Mexico City
- Milan
- Italy
- Bergamo
- New Spain