Foundational arts [electronic resource] : mural painting and missionary theater in New Spain / Michael K. Schuessler.

"This book is a translation, with modifications, of Artes de fundación: Teatro evangelizador y pintura mural en la Nueva España, by Michael K. Schuessler."

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction. Texts and contexts: 'bookish' architecture, mural painting, and theatricality in colonial Mexico -- Toward a literature of foundations. Indo-Christian literature: renascent genres -- Ethno-dramatic performances in pre-Hispanic Mexico: rite, theater or spiritual performance? -- Nahuatl missionary theater -- Renascent genres in New Spain. The evangelization of the imaginary: catechesis and education in New Spain -- Mural painting in New Spain: a singular artistic expression -- Iconography and evangelization. New World iconology -- The Augustinian monastery at San Miguel Itzmiquilpan -- Itzmiquilpan's pictorial program and the 'Service codex' -- The Last Judgment: mural painting and missionary theater. Franciscan and Augustinian millennialism -- Andres de Olmos's El Juicio Final (the Last Judgment): New Spain's first religious drama -- The mural cycle at San Nicolás Actopan -- Final considerations -- Appendix: The Last Judgment, attributed to fray Andres de Olmos.

"Foundational Arts examines how the relationships between mural painting and missionary theater became a transcultural process for mass conversion of Native populations to Christianity. Schuessler studies the New World expressions of dramatic and plastic arts and how they became the tools of European friars to Christianize Native peoples and ultimately create a new literary and artistic tradition"--Provided by publisher.

Description based on print version record.