Foreign Artists Shaped Mexico's Early National Identity Through Travel and Art
Following Mexico's independence in 1821, the country’s cultural landscape was in ruins, prompting foreign artists to document it. By the 1820s, the Academy of San Carlos, established in 1780, was in a state of neglect. Inspired by the expeditions of Alexander von Humboldt (1799-1805), artists such as Octaviano d'Alvimar (1808) captured scenes, including 'View of the Major Plaza of Mexico' (1822). In 1829, Elizabeth Ward, the spouse of British ambassador Sir Henry George Ward, released 'Six Views of the Most Important Towns and Mining Districts.' Claudio Linati launched Mexico's first lithography press in 1825, while Johann Friedrich von Waldeck plundered Mayan sites (1826-1836). Carlos Nebel published a visual journey (1829-1834). In 1843, President Santa Anna revived the Academy with European instructors.
Key facts
- Mexico achieved independence on September 21, 1821, after an 11-year war.
- The Academy of San Carlos, founded in 1780 in Mexico City, was in precarious condition by 1821.
- Alexander von Humboldt traveled to Mexico from 1803 to 1804, inspiring later artists with his publications.
- Octaviano d'Alvimar painted 'View of the Major Plaza of Mexico' in 1822, possibly depicting Emperor Agustín de Iturbide's coronation.
- Elizabeth Ward published 'Six Views of the Most Important Towns and Mining Districts' in 1829.
- Claudio Linati established Mexico's first lithography press after arriving in 1825.
- Johann Friedrich von Waldeck looted Mayan artifacts in Yucatán and was forced to leave Mexico.
- President Santa Anna reinstated the Academy of San Carlos in 1843.
Entities
Artists
- Alexander von Humboldt
- Octaviano d'Alvimar
- Elizabeth Ward
- Claudio Linati
- Johann Friedrich von Waldeck
- Carlos Nebel
- Daniel Thomas Egerton
- Frederick Catherwood
- Miguel Hidalgo
- Ignacio Allende
- Agustín de Iturbide
- Maximilian of Habsburg
- José Ignacio Paz
- Friedrich Georg Weitsch
- Justino Fernández
- John Lloyd Stevens
- Agnes Edwards
- Kendal
- Santa Anna
Institutions
- Academy of San Carlos
- National Museum of History
- Alte Nationalgalerie
- Fomento Cultural Banamex
- Franz Mayer Museum
- Texas University
- Smith College Libraries
- DailyArt Magazine
Locations
- Mexico
- Mexico City
- Berlin
- Germany
- Guanajuato
- Texas
- USA
- Spain
- France
- Austria
- Prague
- Yucatán Peninsula
- Paris
- Brussels
- Italy
- England
- Arlington
- South America
- Central America
- Chiapas
- Switzerland