Famous Mexican Paintings – The Most Famous Art in Mexico

Mexican culture has birthed some of the finest paintings and sculptures since its precolonial era, which includes art from Mesoamerica. This article will introduce you to a brief overview of Mexican art and highlight some of the most famous Mexican paintings that have captured the attention of the global art community.

An Overview of Mexican Art and History

Many tend to focus on the artworks and great masters of Europe without gaining a full scope of other regions of incredible talent from around the world. The examination of Mexican art is often reduced to the artworks produced under pre-colonial history and is one of the most underappreciated areas of study. As with many areas that faced colonial interruption and division, Mexico was also exposed to many historical and political upheavals, the most well-known events being the Spanish conquest, the Mexican War of Independence, and the Mexican Revolution.

The 19th century was a period in Mexico that saw the development of the country’s national identity through art.

Prior to the emergence of Modern Mexican art, Mesoamerican art thrived and originated from what is now the southern and central parts of Mexico. The majority of Mexican art prior to the Spanish conquest was greatly informed by religion and indigenous practices, and the distinction between what was art and culture became blurred.

Art that was produced under Spanish rule, which lasted for approximately 300 years, was concentrated on the decoration and architecture of churches and included casta paintings, historical paintings, and portraits of the 18th century. The influence of European art on Mexican art during this time was high, with the majority of late colonial-era creatives receiving training from the Academy of San Carlos.

Mexican art during this period was not entirely made up of European approaches and subjects but was more of a “balancing act” between incorporating indigenous cultural art elements with European styles and teachings.

The 1810 Mexican War of Independence, which lasted until 1821, brought about immense political turmoil as Mexico strived to gain its independence from the Spaniards. The event did not occur in one setting, as often thought of, but was informed by a series of local and regional conflicts that can be understood as a revolution or civil war. Although the outcome of independence was not guaranteed, the Spanish faced their own threats in Spain with the 1808 invasion by Napoleon Bonaparte and the resultant abdication of Charles IV.

As the conflicts progressed in Mexico and among the Spanish, Mexico saw many religious and cultural divisions as well as the implementation of the Spanish Constitution in 1812. This new document sought to outline a new government framework in light of the removed monarchy and attempted to cater to the needs of the criollos (American-born Spanish individuals) and reconciliation of the people with the peninsulares (Peninsula-born Spanish people).

The American-born Spanish group supported the revolt for independence from Spanish rule and one of the key moments during this time was informed by the Cry of Dolores, which was issued by a Parish priest called Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in 1810.

This sparked the beginning of the revolt, which lasted for many years and spread to the northern part of Mexico City and the Gulf Coast. After Napoleon’s defeat, Ferdinand VII took control and attempted to restore an absolutist rulership, but was soon overthrown by the Spanish liberals in 1820. The royal government eventually fell and the conflict was halted by the Treaty of Córdoba in 1821. Mexico finally gained its independence in 1836 during the reign of Isabella II and after many attempts by the Spanish to regain control.