spanish colonial art

Garden Party on the Terrace of a Country Home

Inspired by Asian examples, colonial Mexicans used folding screens to divide spaces, block drafts, and create privacy in their homes. This screen provides a glimpse into upper-class life. Clusters of people are shown enjoying a garden party on the terrace of a country home. They play cards, gamble, smoke, flirt, drink, or make music.

There are only about a dozen screens in existence with scenes like this; all were made in Mexico City in the 1700s and most are in private collections. The DAM’s screen is one of the earliest known and is the only such screen in a U.S. museum.

Asian Art