Morelos. the Yautepec murals 1

Asunción Yautepec is one of the least known of the Dominican missions in Morelos, although it was the second to be founded after Oaxtepec.  Enclosed by a large atrium, Yautepec has a modest mission, but of massive construction. 
   The church is very plain inside and out. Although dated 1567 by a plaque, the facade is neoclassical in design—a post colonial reworking.  Aside from a colorful painted under choir of uncertain date, the majority of the murals are found in the adjacent convento. These are mostly monochrome and date from the 16th century.  
   This first post looks at the church murals, the second at the frescoes in the convento.

The Underchoir Murals
The only remaining mural of note inside the church is the painted, ribbed ceiling of the sotocoro or under choir.  This elaborate, mudéjar inspired pattern incorporates a series of complex ornamental roundels or “bosses,” many of heraldic design. Some feature the Christic monogram IHS, and others include Augustinian insignia, lions and eagles, and a Coronation of the Virgin—all linked by broad, multi striped bands in predominantly red and blue hues.

 

  

text © 2020 Richard D. Perry. color images by the author, Niccolo Brooker and others.

Please visit our earlier pages on the murals of Morelos: Tlayacapan; Cuernavaca, Tlaquiltenango; Oaxtepec;  Tlaltizapan;

Atlatlahuacan; Tepoztlan;