San Gabriel Cholula: two more early frescoes

In earlier posts on the exceptional murals at San Gabriel Cholula, we highlighted scenes from the life of St. Francis and a large Mass of St Gregory. Here we look at two other early frescoes of interest.

The Annunciation mural
The first is a fine, early triptych portraying the Annunciation, now located in an office on the second floor of the convento. 

Flanked by separate portraits of St. Francis and St. Anthony, the Virgin Mary, seated with an open book, receives the doves of the Holy Spirit, as the archangel Gabriel gestures towards Heaven—the only portrayal of its patron saint in the monastery to our knowledge. An urn of lilies, symbolizing her purity, stands prominently between the two.

The Baptism of Christ
The second fresco, a colorful Baptism of Christ is located in the old portal de peregrinos, now the Franciscan library, and was uncovered where the baptismal font may have been located during the early years of the evangelization. 

   A long Latin inscription unfolds in the ribbon above John the Baptist, who raises the baptismal chalice above the almost naked Christ. God the Father speaks from the clouds—"this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased." 

   After restoration, its bright range of color, including putative Maya Blue, has reemerged.

text © 2019 Richard D. Perry

color images courtesy of Robert Jackson