Special Topics in Renaissance Art (339-0-1)

Topic

Art and Architecture of Colonial Mexico

Instructors

Jesus R Escobar
847/467-0854
Kresge 4321
Office Hours: W 3-4pm; R 3:30-4:30pm

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-343: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

This course explores the art and architecture of Mexico from the time of the Spanish invasion in 1519 to Mexico's emergence as an independent nation in 1821. It begins with a consideration of Indigenous Mexican artistic traditions in a range of media including painting, sculpture, and the building arts as a necessary introduction for understanding the Indigenous legacy in the art and architecture produced in a territory that came to be known as New Spain. The course also traces the invention and codification of European-American artistic practices in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Throughout, the course will pay special attention to the impact of people and things from Africa and Asia as well as Europe in giving shape to a colonial society in the early modern Americas. Students will think about works of art and architecture as products of particular social and political contexts, relying on primary source readings translated into English and accessible, recent scholarship. For students with Spanish-language reading skills, there may be optional reading assignments for extra credit.

Class Materials (Required)

Readings will derive from internet resources or be provided on Canvas. There are no required textbooks for this course.