Mexican Baroque And Spanish Colonial Architecture example essay topic

Influences of Spanish Architecture in Mexico Spanish expeditions conducted during the seventh and eighteenth century has brought a variety of architectural and artistic influences to the different indigenous regions of the New Americas. It is documented that "the Architecture of Mexico began with the Spanish conquest of the country". (Mullen, 18) The architecture of Mexico has exhibited much richness and wealth, has displayed the political and religious conditions of the time, and has showed off the countries beauty and grace through different artistic devices, mainly through the ornamentation of buildings. The architecture that developed in Mexico during the military expeditions and colonization of Mexico has brought forth many different types of architecture to Mexico, three in particular, Franciscan, Mexican Baroque and Spanish Colonial Architecture.

Historians have documented that the Franciscan, Mexican Baroque and Spanish Colonial Architecture found in Mexico is, "the transfer of architectural forms, ideas and traditions brought from Spain to the Americas by Spanish settlers" (Grizzard, 167). Historians believe that, "Spanish colonial architecture was a period of transition from the Spanish Gothic to Spanish Renaissance" (Mullen, 76) When observing the architecture found in Mexico one has to wonder about how much influence the Spanish Colonialists had on this country. Much of the influence the Spanish Colonialists had on Mexican Architecture came from their conquests over the Native Indians of the Americas. Historically, Mexico has been a war-torn religiously, socially, economically, and political areas of the country. As the Spanish Conquerors dominated the Natives, their influence spread thoroughly throughout the Americas.

The result was an aristocratic government where the natives were not given any chance of self-expression. Under these conditions, it was natural for the Architecture of the New Americas to have been brought from Spain. As it has been found throughout the history of the Americas that, "the church [has] worked in conjunction with the military to dominate the Native Indians". (Behav, 306). Many of the buildings built by the church and the military have become monumental features of Mexico. The architecture that first pioneered its way through Mexico was the Franciscan order.

Most of the buildings built during this period were "mostly fortresses and were strictly utilitarian, most of them being built in a Romanesque style" (Behav, 309). Churches built during this period usually had a dome along with a rectangular plan. This was the period of introduction to both domes and the cruciform plan in the New Americas. During the Spanish conquest through the Americas the conquistador es discovered mining as a valuable commodity in Mexico. Knowing how precious these metals were, the conquistador es forced the Indians to labor for large quantities of these precious minerals.

The Spaniards also found lot of material available for the use of masonry. All of these conditions made it possible for the construction of many churches, palaces, houses, bridges, and aqueducts to have been built. The advancement of Spanish architecture in the New Americas incorporated different styles, which include Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Moorish, Mudejar and the Churrigueresque orders. All these different orders of architecture brought from Spain have highly influenced the religious life of American Natives. There are three cities in Mexico in which I noticed an important significance of religious architecture in the community; these being Puebla, Cholula, and Tlaxcala, each colonial city displaying different styles of colonial architecture. The architecture in Puebla, Mexico is comprised of Franciscan and Mexican Baroque Architecture.

The city of Puebla is found about 60 miles southeast of Mexico City. Throughout its history is has been known by various names: City of Angels, City of Tiles, and Heroic City of Zaragoza. The city of Puebla was established on 1531. Puebla was the principal city of colonial Mexico and is the most European of all the colonial cities. The most monumental building in the city of Puebla is the first cathedral that was built there.

The Church of Puebla was first built on the site in 1532 and then again some more four years later in 1536. A few later years later it was brought down and the raising of the Cathedral, in 1552 was begun. The construction was begun by Phillip II. Later Phillip sent new plans for a new Cathedral to be built, appointing Juan Gomez de Mora as the architect. This was later approved by Phillip IV, who made more modifications to the plans and proposed for Pedro Garcia Ferrer, who came to Spain in 1640, to supervise the construction of the cathedral. In 1649 most of the building was completed with the exception of the facade and the south tower.

The facade of the building was later finished with an inscription over the central entrance stating the completion of the cathedral in 1664. The south tower was erected later in the eighteenth century. During this period architects purposely made the towers of the buildings proportionately higher than the building itself. The facade of the Cathedral is a simple design, enriched by fine sculpture and decorative carvings done in white marble.

There are two reliefs located over the doorway. The right low relief over the doorway represents San Francisco receiving the stigmata; that on the left is a representation of the infant Jesus in the arms of the virgin and Sata Rosa, presenting a crown of roses. The atrium of the building forms a stone paved platform, particularly large at the entrance. There is an iron fence that surrounds it.

This fence was a memorial to Pope Pius IX by the Sociedad Cattolica in 1878. On the north side of the cathedral is the large plaza of the city. The dome was designed by Ferrer. It is covered with yellow and green tiles, giving the dome a greenish gold effect. The other domes and tops of towers are covered with red and yellow tile. The building has a length of 323 feet and a width of 101 feet, with an interior height of 80 feet.

The d'ec or of the building is done in gray stone. The vaulting of the building has been treated in white and gold. The best feature of the Puebla Cathedral is the choir. The screen of the choir was done by Master Mateo de la Cruz in 1697. Within the choir, there are carving in the stone walls above the woodwork of the choir stalls. There is an inscription on the front of the choir describing how the work was done by Master Mateo de la Cruz, who began its construction on August 24, 1719 and finished it on June 24, 1722.

Towards the end of the 17th century a prosperous society began to evolve in Mexico. Along with the rise of this new society came the development of Spanish Baroque architecture. Spanish Baroque style is more of an abstract but emotional and inspiring type of architecture. Spanish Baroque architecture, "initially derived from the Herrera n order, which is an architectural order that comes from Spain" (Mullen 387).

Spanish Baroque architecture is about, "an appreciation for light and shade, which is displayed through an exaggeration ornament in bold reliefs" (Neumeyer, 106). A majority of these ornaments were forced on small portions of buildings, running vertical rather than horizontal. Spanish Baroque architecture is a domination of the vertical over the horizontal. Besides having these distinct features many architects have made a number of modifications in the plans and construction of buildings during this time. Instead of having the circular and elliptical plans, which were popular in European Baroque Architecture during this period, Spanish Baroque Architecture was more about having straight walls and parallel surfaces. This type of architecture seems to fit ideally with the mountainous terrain of Mexico.

Much of the architecture during this era displayed structural stability and permanence by having walls, domes, arched ceilings, and buttresses being built out of masonry. The massive look is the most characteristic feature of the Spanish Baroque order. It was essential to have this fortified look because it was the military, along with the church, who were in charge of the construction these buildings. Also by having most of the building being built of masonry it added to the strength of the building. During this period, "domes were usually regular in shape and sprang from an octagonal base of roofed arches, with the light entering through the top.

The architectural d'ec or was basically classic and generally concentrated at important locations, such as doors, windows and upper portions of towers, producing a strong contrast with plain wall surfaces" (Behav, 304). This was usually done in carved stone or was also modeled in plaster. The Renaissance order has been the predominating style of Mexico and has been usually been the influence over other styles used in this country. It has been noted that much of Spanish and Mexican Architecture can be traced back to many different parts of the world. There have also been traces of Greek influences shown in friezes and decorations on early temples and palaces.

The Mudejar style, developed by Christianized Moors, also combines the Arabic motives and other European forms. A city that displays much Mexican Baroque Architecture mixed with Christian styles is the city of Cholula, Mexico. The city of Cholula is located just west of Puebla. After the Spanish conquest, many temples were replaced with churches. There are about 400 shrines and temples located within this area. What is interesting about Cholula is how it is one of the first cities where Christian faith was taught in the Western continent.

When the Spanish conquerors reached this city on their march to Mexico they found a large native city built around the great pyramid, and for some time Cholula remained one of the most concentrated areas in New Spain. The combination of indigenous and religious architecture combined with Spanish-Colonial work is unique. One of the most interesting temples in Cholula is the church of Nuestra Senora de los Remedies, Our lady of Remedies. The temple is composed of a dome covered with glazed tiles and is proportional in form.

The dimensions of the building are: the north side of the building is measured at 1000 feet, the east side of the building is measured at 1026 feet, the south side of the is measured at 1000 feet. This site was founded by the Spaniards whom devoted this temple to the god Quetzalcoalt. That building was quickly demolished and was replaced by the current Christian temple. Another notable temple in Cholula, besides the church of Nuestra Senora de los Rem dios, is the ancient Franciscan church of San Gabriel, and the building adjacent to it, the Capilla Real, or the Royal Chapel. The church of San Gabriel was completed in 1604.

This building shows late signs of Gothic influenced but also bears the strong markings of early Spanish-Colonial work. One of the few details that this church displays as Gothic architecture is the apse. The church is very large, which shows how large of a population Cholula had at the time because the Capilla Real was built for "overflow purposes". This building is also known as the Capilla de los Naturales, which means the chapel of the Natives. This building has a vaulted roof, which is square in plan, is composed of numerous small domes. The date 1604 is inscribed on the steps of the court, and 1660 on the stones, probably explaining the time when the foundation was laid and when the chapel was completed.

Another not notable secondary style that derives from Spanish Colonial Architecture is the Churrigueresque order, is perhaps the most noticeable style in ecclesiastical works. This style has been has been criticized by many and has been admired by others. "It is a free and unconventional form of the Renaissance. With broken lines and pediments, its highly decorated pilasters and panels, and niches filled with sculptures, it produces a lot of elaborate details" (Behav, 378). The architects of this period were allowed a wide range to express their individuality. The last city that interests me is the city of Tlaxacala, Mexico.

The city of Tlaxacala is famous for being the prime city where Cortes made is campaign against the Aztecs. It is also know for being one of the earliest spots to have inhabited the "Conquest adores". The most interesting church of this city is the church of San Francisco, which was founded on 1521. The church has a paved entrance and is flanked by an old tower. The interior of the building is made of a timber roof with old carved cedar beams.

The high altar present in the church is a prime example of Churrigueresque style. The pulpit on the right side is famous for being the first site where the gospel had been preached on this side of the Atlantic. It is inscribed "Aqui tub o principi o al Santo Evangelion en este nuevo mundo", which means "here is the Holy Evangel had its beginning in this World". It was in this temple the first four chiefs of Tlaxcala, "who were the first converts to Christianity, were baptized in 1520".

The alter within has scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary, which was painted in 1669. Tlaxcala lies within the Puebla's influence. This may be seen in the form the tiles and ornaments are displayed in the front of the church of San Jose, and the facade of the Santuario de Oct olan. This sanctuary marks the spot where in the early years of Spanish rule a miraculous spring, according to tradition, came forth to reward the quest of the Indians from water famine. It also has been a famous place for pilgrimages ever since building of the church. The interior of the building was practically modernized between the years 1852 and 1854 at the expense of Dona Maria Josefa Zavala.

There is an inscription near the entrance of the building that relates the work in the channel and the transcripts were left untouched "because of its antiquity and excellence". A notable feature of this building is the transept of the building. Here in the building there is a small feature that resembles the Churrigueresque style of architecture, that being the transept alters and dome, which are made out of wood. The dome has a blue green ground with circles of polychrome figures of apostle around a blue ground. There is also a depiction of the Holy Spirit as a white dove in the center of the art piece. The feet of the apostles rest on a white and gold shrine.

The floor of the church is covered in with an old but beautiful Mexican tapestry. The architecture found throughout Mexico has been highly influenced by Spanish architecture. From military style churches to the Renaissance looking churches found throughout Mexico, the indigenous people have been highly influenced by Spanish culture. We have seen how the conquest adores inhabited cities like Puebla, Cholula, and Tlaxcala and turned it into Spanish influenced cities containing the Spanish / Christian designs. We have seen the evolution of Mexican Architecture begin with Franciscan order move through Baroque age and finally come to Spanish Colonial Order. This transition from one order to the next has given Mexico much notable architecture that is highly praised.

Mexican Architecture can be viewed as being one of the most remarkable types of architecture found throughout the world. Work Cited 1. Grizzard, Mary. Spanish Colonial Art and Architecture of Mexico and the U. S Southwest.

New York: University Press of America, 19862. Mullen, Robert. Architecture and Its Sculpture in Vice gal Mexico. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1997.3. Ace land, James H. "Building and Land" Canadian Architecture. (July 1996) 63-68 4.

Brook, Jeff. "In Old Mexico". House Beautiful. (October 2000) 70, 72, 76, 78, 1135. Behav, Richard. Colonial Architecture in Mexico.

New York University Press, 19846. Neumeyer, Alfred. "The Indian Contribution to Architectural decoration in Spanish Colonial America". The Art Bulletin.

(June 1948) 109-1217. K ilham, Walter H. "Impressions of colonial Architecture in Mexico". Architectural Forum. (February 1921) 39-44, 85-90.