caste painting

painting genre

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July 16, 2026

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The term "caste painting" refers to a genre of painting that emerged in colonial Mexico. These paintings, created by artists such as Miguel Mateo Maldonado y Cabrera, depicted the complex social hierarchy of the time, which was based on race and origin.12

These artworks typically illustrated families resulting from the intermarriage of Indigenous peoples, Africans, and Europeans, assigning specific terms to each resulting "caste". The paintings often included details about the family's trade, clothing, and surroundings to signify their social status. While skin color was a primary determinant, these paintings also highlighted the social limitations imposed by one's caste. The genre gained popularity in the period leading up to independence, offering a visual commentary on the intricate social fabric of colonial society.21

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Latin American art
Latin American themes
…documented set of so-called “caste paintings,” which used 16 different scenes to show the effects of the intermarriages of indigenous people, enslaved Africans, and Europeans. This genre gained popularity on the eve of independence, when the different strata of colonial society were depicted in several series called castas created…
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…documented set of so-called “caste paintings,” which used 16 different scenes to show the effects of the intermarriages of indigenous people, enslaved Africans, and Europeans. This genre gained popularity on the eve of independence, when the different strata of colonial society were depicted in several series called castas created…
Read More