Collecting Guide: Spanish Colonial Art:
The collection of Spanish colonial art introduced the artistic achievements of Latin America, from Columbus’s first experience with the people of the Caribbean through the region’s independence movement and the successive formation of nation state. In 1492, Columbus’s world-changing journey
joined the wide network of trade routes between Asia, Europe, and Africa to the knowledgeable system of trade and interconnection that already existed in the Americas.
The various forms of art produced throughout Latin America reflect the productive changes in the development of the new colony. The swiftness with which Europeans established themselves in the New World prompted a huge demand for artistic creations, especially with the founding of large religious institutions. Both fine and attractive arts flourished, reflecting the convergence of native and foreign traditions
What is Spanish colonial art?
Spanish colonial art includes paintings, sculptures and attractive objects manufacture across one and a half continents, from Mexico down to South America,
over a period of about 330 years. All art and objects from this region that precede Christopher Columbus’ appearance in the New World in 1492, marking the conception of the European conquest, are termed pre-Columbian.
The Spanish colonial period ends around 1820, when Spain began to lose its influence on its colonies in the New World and independence was won by many of today’s Latin American nations.
What does Spanish colonial art look like?
The arts that progress in the Spanish viceroyalties of New Spain and Peru were, from their beginnings in the sixteenth century, very different from those of the much younger North American
colonies. Because of its incredibly broad scope, Spanish colonial art cannot be defined by any one particular style, subject or form. It gives many paths of information or concepts to the peoples through their arts.
Reasons To Visit The Spanish Colonial art museum:
Dedicated to preserving a unique feature of our state’s history, the Spanish Colonial Art Museum is a great place to learn more things about the history of New Mexico and the beginnings of our state’s trademark art.
1) The Spanish Colonial Art Museum Is Always New:
With consistent changes to the exhibits, there is always something new at the Spanish Colonial Art Museum. If you are visiting in 2020, be sure to visit the Delgado Room, where you can see some fabulously objects that trader and merchant Don Manuel Delgado collected during his life in the 1700 and 1800s. The Trade and Trails Exhibit explores amazing finds that showcase how New Mexican art was influenced by both Spain and Native American cultures.
2) The Spanish Colonial Art Museum Is One Of A Kind:
As the only museum in the country with this particular focus, the Spanish Colonial Art Museum has a special place in our city. The gallery has over 3700 pieces of both historical and contemporary works in their collection. Even the museum itself is a work of art. It was created to have the appearance and feel of a native New Mexican home. It makes the Spanish Colonial Art Museum even more unique.
3) The Spanish Colonial Art Museum Is Not Just For Adults:
The Spanish Colonial Art Museum is a fantastic place for all ages. Step back in time with your children and allow them to fully appreciate the way people lived a few hundred years ago. Kids can put on traditional and historic costumes and truly get to experience a new-to-them culture.
The Spanish Colonial Art Museum Is Just One Reason To Visit Santa Fe!
Our city is beloved by people all around the world and our rich culture is just a part of it. Come experience the vast blue skies, deep purple mountains, and wild, untamed beauty of the high desert. Santa Fe is a treasure in and of itself, and our beautiful inn is proud to be a part of it.
