Art is a true reflection of the society that produces it. The political and religious social conditions of a group living at a certain time are manifested in the different formal expressions.
Two and a half centuries of colony have served - up to now - to forge a mestizo man of his own ideas who has assumed the thought of the illustration. The arrival of the Bourbons to the Spanish throne (18th century) will be decisive to implement a new administration, new customs and a new philosophical thought raised by the French Revolution that speaks of equality, freedom and fraternity.
Thus, the Academia de San Carlos was founded in New Spain in 1778, bringing teachers saturated with neoclassical ideas, a style in vogue in Europe. The new model uses classic elements such as: columns with fluted or smooth shafts, classic capitals. Entablaments divided into architrave, frieze and cornice; pediments of open or closed eardrums. Many churches decided to change their style and golden altarpieces disappeared for the new ones that are faster to execute. Like some facades they were transformed.
During the three centuries of Spanish domination, in our country, the aforementioned artistic expressions occurred and they worked for both religious buildings of the secular or regular clergy.
Understanding artistic manifestations implies understanding the meaning of a people, in this case of our Mexico. This is our heritage and we must protect it.
