Art and Politics in Late 18th Century New Spain

In 1795, the viceroy of New Spain, Manuel de la Grúa, requested permission to erect a monumental equestrian sculpture in honor of Charles IV, King of Spain. Shortly after the unveiling of the bronze monument in Mexico City in 1796, a painted equestrian portrait of the deceased former viceroy, Bernardo de Galvez, was completed. However, the painting, although seemingly emulating the royal equestrian motif, seems at odds with the official public work.

By examining the Galvez portrait’s dissonant attributes in relation to its context of production, what issues, problems, or questions can be raised that may provide insight into the political environment of late colonial New Spain?

The lecture will be presented by Ray Hernández-Durán, Associate Professor, Department of Art and Art History, University of New Mexico.

Doors open at 2 pm.

Purchase tickets at the door. Free for Alianza members; $5 for DAM members; $10 others; free for students with valid ID.

More info: http://denverartmuseum.org/calendar/art-and-politics-late-18th-century-new-spain