Portrait of Sor Juana de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

Domingo Ortiz

Created:
Movement:
1797
Neoclassicism
key Notes:
Colonial Mexican portraiture, Intellectual monastic attire
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Dimensions:
40 1/4 × 32 1/2 in. (102.2 × 82.6 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

"Portrait of Sor Juana de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe" is a painting created by the Mexican artist Domingo Ortiz in 1797. The work depicts Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, a prominent 17th-century Mexican writer, philosopher, and nun known for her contributions to literature and early feminist thought. Ortiz's portrait captures Sor Juana in a contemplative pose, adorned in religious habit, reflecting her intellectual and spiritual legacy. The painting is significant for its representation of a key figure in colonial Mexican history and its role in the cultural discourse surrounding women's rights and education. The exact circumstances of the commission and the painting's provenance are not well-documented. The work is housed in a private collection, and its historical context highlights the intersection of art, religion, and gender in colonial Mexico.

Description of the work:

"Portrait of Sor Juana de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe" by Domingo Ortiz, created in 1797, is an oil on canvas painting that depicts the renowned Mexican writer and philosopher Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. The composition features a frontal view of Sor Juana, who is adorned in a traditional habit, emphasizing her religious identity. Her expression is contemplative, conveying a sense of intellect and introspection. The background is rendered in muted tones, allowing the figure to stand out prominently. The use of light and shadow creates depth, highlighting the intricate details of her attire and the textures of the fabric. The color palette is characterized by earthy hues, contributing to the overall solemnity of the portrait. The artist's brushwork demonstrates a refined technique, particularly in the rendering of facial features and the drapery of the habit. The painting serves as a significant representation of Sor Juana's legacy in the context of colonial Mexico.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Portrait of Sor Juana de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe