jan 1, 1695 - View of the Plaza Mayor (Zócalo) of Mexico City by Cristóbal de Villalpando

Description:

In 1695, painter Cristóbal de Villalpando created the “View of Plaza Mayor,” an oil painting that depicts the market (Parián) of the Plaza Mayor (Zócalo), which existed until the 19th century. According to Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank (Smarthistory), the market in the Plaza Mayor saw merchants from across the Pacific Ocean to sell to the residents of Mexico City. Many of these objects were also sent to Spain and other European countries. This turned Mexico City, and by consequence the Plaza Mayor, into a dynamic center for trade, cross-cultural exchanges, and knowledge sharing. The “View of Plaza Mayor” depicts important architectural buildings to New Spain including the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Viceroy’s Palace. It also depicts the Parián and tents, with people engaged in business and shopping. To the right of the painting, there is the canal and volcanoes off to the far right. Notably, there is no mention or allusion to the destroyed Templo Mayor which would have been across from the Metropolitan Cathedral. Nevertheless, the painting presents a realistic image with certain artistic liberties of the Plaza Mayor.

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