Mexican Architecture of the Sixteenth Century. 2 Vols.
New Haven: Yale University Press, 1948. First edition. Hardcover. Quarto. xxv, [1] 230pp., folding map, xvi, [1] 231-574pp. Original green buckram with gilt lettering and publisher's device on spines, housed in original cardboard slipcase with descriptive labels pasted to cover and spine. Frontispiece.
"The architecture of a colonial people is usually studied only in terms of final causes. If the colony becomes a great nation, with a style of life and art peculiar to itself, then the humble colonial beginnings will attract students, as in the case of Italo-Byzantine painting, or of Roman architecture in the Rhineland. In Mexico the architecture of the sixteenth century needs no justification from final causes, compelling as these may be. The accomplished mastery of European building crafts, manifested by native builders as early as 1560, and the originality of many Mexican forms of structure and ornament at this early period, are striking enough for detailed study without reference to later events in national history." (Preface).
Profusely illustrated throughout the two volumes with a total of 468 images includes b/w photographs, architectural drawings and plans, charts and a large 29x 33" folding map indicating the locations of the foundations of the Franciscan, Dominican, and Augustinian Mendicant Orders throughout Mexico circa 1580 (rear of vol.1). The study includes chapters on the Mendicant Friars, Demographic Problems, Urbanism, Design and Supervision, Labor, Material, and Techniques, and Civil Architecture in volume one, and Religious Architecture: Single-Nave Churches,Religious Architecture: Other Types, Painting and Sculpture, with a chapter of conclusive remarks. Contains bibliographical note, an appendix: documents for Mendicant Buildings, and an index at rear. Slipcase with light wear along edges and somewhat sunned. Books with light musty odor. Very good condition. Item #55441
Price: $575.00