Virgin Of Miguel Alvarez Analysis

Images of the “Virgin of Guadalupe” seem to be everywhere. As a symbol of “freedom for the oppressed native populations” according to Jeanette Favrot Peterson author of The Virgin of Guadalupe: Symbol of Conquest or Liberation?, the Virgin of Guadalupe seems to be a reoccurring piece of art starting at the middle of the sixteenth century. A very unique piece in its own the “Virgin of Guadalupe” by Miguel Gonzalez in 1698, is part of Spanish colonial art but also consists of different techniques to emerge into a world where countless of the same image already existed. Miguel Gonzales created an image using inspiration by two places, first the image was surfacing throughout Mexico being replicated in the same way as the original. As with most , the trade of goods was involved to create the style Gonzalez used. According to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, this piece is due in part to the “ a significant influx of Asian goods to Mexico via the legendary Manila Galleons...” The “Virgin of Guadalupe” is a brilliant piece that added something new to what was being used in Spanish colonial art. …show more content…
Close inspection reveals that the image consists of smaller images storytelling the legend of how the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared to Juan Diego. Three of the smaller images depict the woman’s three apparitions to Juan Diego in 1531. In the forth smaller image Gonzalez demonstrates Juan Diego showing the image to bishop Fray Zumarraga. The woman in the center of the piece surrounded by the bright yellow has features of the indigenous people who lived in Mexico, allowing people to understand why they believed in her almost instantly. Her tilted head to the right shows a calm, understanding and soothing nature to the viewer which allows the understanding of why people remain having a strong faith towards her