Two Mexican Icons of the Baroque and their Legacy

Two female figures of the Baroque have deeply influenced the way contemporary Mexico imagines itself as a nation: the Virgin of Guadalupe and Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. Apparitions of the Virgin of Guadalupe are dated from 1531, and she has evolved into a symbol of the Mexican nation since the first texts about her were published in 1648. We will study the history of the representation of the Virgin in art, poetry, and popular culture from the 17th to the 21st century. We will also explore the figure and writings of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (1651-1695), known as the first feminist of the New World, some of whose poetry, drama, and autobiography reflect on the Virgin Mary and the Virgin of Guadalupe. (At least two Spanish courses at the 0300 level or above, or by waiver.)