The Arts of the Missions of Northern New Spain, 1600–1821 (review)

A comprehensive review of 'The Arts of the Missions of Northern New Spain, 1600–1821' reveals its significant contribution to understanding the cultural and artistic fusion during the Spanish colonial period in regions spanning modern-day Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Colorado, and northern Mexico. The book goes beyond traditional art history by contextualizing religious artistic traditions within their geographical, social, and historical milieu. It features scholarly essays by experts across multiple disciplines, including archaeology, ethnohistory, and architectural history, which explore the complex dynamics of mission life, indigenous societies, and the influence of landscape on mission building. The inclusion of detailed exhibition catalogs, conservation insights, and discussions on specific artistic traditions, such as metalwork and basketry, enriches the narrative. However, a notable omission is the lack of comprehensive maps to illustrate place names mentioned throughout the articles.

Chávez, N. (2011). The Arts of the Missions of Northern New Spain, 1600–1821 (review). The Catholic Historical Review, 97(2), 401–403. https://doi.org/10.1353/cat.2011.0013