Caste paintings originated from the ethno racial groups that were formed due to invasions of Spaniards into Mexico along with the importing of African Slaves. They were mainly meant to be derogatory in nature and depicted what offspring of the mixing of races looked like.
The racial hierarchy or caste system was used by the Spaniards to determine whether someone would receive top positions either socially or politically. Full-blooded Spaniards were at the top of the food chain while African’s were at the bottom. Those in between were ranked based on how much of the lower classed blood they had in them.
Camila O’Gorman was on the high end of the caste system, yet even her status did not protect her or her unborn baby from Juan Manuel de Rosas who felt that she was a threat to his power.
I found this work of art when searching for artists of the period. It intrigued me first because the artist was unknown and after researching caste paintings, I became aware that it was different than many of the others that I found.
I believe that this is a picture of a couple and their child visiting with another family. I don’t believe that this is a normal caste painting. It seems too bright and cheery to be used to make fun of someone and it does not emphasize the mixing of races and the effects thereof on the children. It does have a garden scene, which apparently was widely used.
First, the picture has a border at the top of it that frames the scene. Hanging from the border are plant leaves with what appear to be berries, which are all connected by shells and rings. The border makes it seem dimensional.
The picture contains two men, two women, and two children. One couple is wearing clothing that suggests they have a higher status than the other couple. In particular, the woman’s dress is lighter colored and much more highly ornate than that of her counterpart. Interestingly enough, their skin appears to be darker than the other couple, which would go against the caste system or hierarchal ladder. They are wearing coverings that suggest that the weather is cool and that they are possibly just visiting the other couple. The children are similarly dressed.
In the foreground of the painting, is a pond with plants growing from it and alongside, other flowering plants. Behind those are fruit lying on the ground, some halved and some whole, like the pineapple. This is possibly the food that was served while visiting.
Behind the people are different types of tree including palms and other flora. Chickens seem to be roaming about. A small adobe house sits behind the trees. The land surrounding the house appears to be somewhat arid and beyond that lies mountains.
I would like to know more about the trees in the work. Did the fruit come from those trees or did the other couple bring it with them? What is the significance of the couple’s relationship? How did they make their livings? Does their different skin tones signify something? Who is the painter? Did the painter do any other paintings? If so, do they also have borders like this one?