Antonio Enríquez was a painter from New Spain who worked during the 18th century, primarily in the region of Nueva Galicia, now known as western Mexico. Although little is known about his life, records show that he was a master painter who created several religious works for churches and convents. His style is part of the New Spain Baroque, an artistic movement characterized by the use of highly detailed scenes, intense colors, and religious symbols to convey the teachings of the Church.
One of his most important works is "Felipe Pastor and Saint Angel Preaching", painted in the year 1747. This oil on canvas painting depicts two religious figures surrounded by angels and other elements that highlight the importance of the Order of Carmel. The composition draws the viewer’s attention to the main figures, while the lighting and the details in their clothing and faces help create a scene with a solemn and spiritual atmosphere. In addition to its artistic quality, this painting holds great historical value because it illustrates how art was used to teach religion and strengthen people’s faith during the viceregal era. Thanks to its restoration and study in recent years, this work has provided a better understanding of Antonio Enríquez’s work and recognized his contribution to New Spain painting.
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The large canvas had been recorded in the inventory of the collection of the Regional Museum of Guadalajara, compiled in 1931 by Abelardo Carrillo y Gariel, but had remained forgotten until now. For a long time, the painting lay cut in two, rolled up in a corner of the museum's storage, forgotten by specialists and the general public. Following the rediscovery of this important work, the Western School of Conservation and Restoration (ECRO) is currently undertaking its consolidation, conservation, and restoration. The aim of this article is to present the painting and its complex iconography in relation to the establishment of the Carmelite order in the city of Guadalajara. The New Spanish painter Antonio Enríquez, is the author of this composition.
