Glossary of Saints
↑
Mexican is a land of saints. They appear everywhere, drenching viceregal art and architecture with their iconographical presence. This glossary is meant as a reference to most of them, with an accompanying illustrative image. While in the 16th century they are mostly depicted in the mural work of the three initial monastic orders who evangelized the land, in the 17th and 18th centuries they abound in parish churches, hacienda and palace chapels throughout the country. So common are some that one becomes used to seeing them on a daily basis, even looking for them upon entering a shrine. Varying in grandeur and humility, some appear approachable, other aloof. Some are angels, others kings. However all present a unique narrative which guided their veneration to ultimate canonization, and contribute to Catholic inviolability in New Spain.
"Saints are ordinary people who did extraordinary things." -- Diana Roberts
Mexican is a land of saints. They appear everywhere, drenching viceregal art and architecture with their iconographical presence. This glossary is meant as a reference to most of them, with an accompanying illustrative image. While in the 16th century they are mostly depicted in the mural work of the three initial monastic orders who evangelized the land, in the 17th and 18th centuries they abound in parish churches, hacienda and palace chapels throughout the country. So common are some that one becomes used to seeing them on a daily basis, even looking for them upon entering a shrine. Varying in grandeur and humility, some appear approachable, other aloof. Some are angels, others kings. However all present a unique narrative which guided their veneration to ultimate canonization, and contribute to Catholic inviolability in New Spain.
"Saints are ordinary people who did extraordinary things." -- Diana Roberts