In accordance with our usual custom we dedicate our first post of the year to a Nativity scene with the Three Kings. This year we look at a mural in the upper cloister of the great Augustinian priory of Cuitzeo, in northern Michoacán—whose murals are among the outstanding colonial art treasures of this recently restored church and convento.
As noted this mural is one of the few surviving frescoes located in the lunettes above the doorways in the upper cloister. All are painted in warm grisaille tones with red, gold and turquoise accents.
Although in less than pristine condition the mural has been partially restored to clarify some details: Mary holds the infant Jesus at right accompanied by a standing Joseph in a bowler hat, as the Three Kings kneel or stand in front bearing their gifts.
A distinctive outcropping, perhaps a local geographical landmark, is shown to their left.
text © 2020 Richard D. Perry
images courtesy of Robert Jackson & Niccolo Brooker
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