View of Mexico, [1789-1794]

https://hispana.mcu.es/lod/oai:larramendi.es:15278#ent6 · 1789

Summary: View of Mexico taken from Guadalupe. The artist voluntarily moves away from meticulous and scientific descriptions, recreating himself especially in the general atmosphere surrounding the city limited by mountainous summits. On the left, under the trees, a knight surrounded by other characters who observe him curious, directs his catalejo towards the horizon, probably trying to identify the numerous buildings whose towers and domes are glimpsed. At the same time, some mules in vain try to get the mules to drag their load and two women attend to their chores at the door of their house. Performed during the Malaspina expedition, which took place between 1789 and 1794. Commander Alejandro Malaspina lead the expedition organized by the Spanish crown to tour his American possessions, according to a plan presented by the sailor himself. The material gathered is scattered in different institutions of Spain, England, Argentina and Chile. This view is attributed to the Italian artist Juan Ravenet, in charge of drawing the portraits of types and customs.