The development of conventual mural painting of the Order of San Francisco in the central highlands of Mexico (16th century)

Abstract

Mural painting is an invaluable source for learning about the changes and continuities the societies experienced during the 16th century. In the case of the Franciscans, we can distinguish that three styles were developed in this century: first, there was a painting in grisaille, then there was a painting with reddish tones, and finally, there is a polychrome painting, which had a wide diffusion. Each of these styles reflects a particular position of the order: the image in grisaille is linked to the observance precepts of the first friars and the concern to integrate indigenous elements and thus facilitate the appropriation of Christianity. Later, the painting in reddish tones is related to a group of friars disillusioned with the evangelization and shaped a more ornamental program without native elements. Finally, the polychrome posture took up many of the principles of the first stage but gave them more extraordinary splendour. In this last program, indigenous participation is evident, and by mixing local figures with Christian themes, unique images were created in the world.