Yucatán: The Teabo murals

The rambling mission of San Pedro y San Pablo Teabo is situated not far from Maní, and is best known for its exquisite 17th century altarpiece in the style of the Master of Maní. It is also home to two groups of colorful colonial frescoes. 

The Apsidal Frescoes 
The first consists of an large frieze like sequence extending along the upper side walls of the apse—the oldest part of the church. Possibly dating to the late 17th century, the mural consists of portraits of saints and friars alternating with large floral urns below a narrow, floral upper frieze. A wide range of reds, blues, greens and ochers enliven the mural.! 

The Sacristy Murals
The second group, probably dating from the 1650s, is located in the spacious sacristy and have been recently restored with more enthusiasm than finesse. The mural pattern follows that of the apsidal frescoes, depicting the Four Evangelists with their attributes and the Four Fathers of the Church, set in square frames interspersed with floral urns below a colorful frieze. Praying angels adorn the central archway. ! 

 

The portrait of St. Jerome with his lion, painted in vivid reds, blues, green and earth colors, is especially striking. 

 

St Gregory.                            St Augustine

  

St John the Evangelist;                         St Matthew

As at Cholul, angels disport around the archways.! 

look for our new post on the Teabo altarpiece

text & images © 2018 Richard D. Perry