Date of Award
1999
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Valuation Science
First Advisor
Rita Kottmeyer
Second Advisor
Richard-Raymond Alasko
Third Advisor
Susan Blue Galloway
Abstract
This thesis describes a one hundred and seventy-nine piece collection of ceramics, the Herbert Pickering Lewis Collection at the Art Institute of Chicago. The collection arrived in Chicago seventy-five years ago. The objects were made in Mexico.
Mexico, once home to the deities, sports and commerce of the Aztec, Maya and Olmec civilizations, was settled by Europeans early in the sixteenth century
. . . and New Spain became the first Spanish American viceroyalty, eventually including all of ancient Mesoamerica, northern Mexico, the Caribbean and most of the south-western USA (see Hoggart, page 230).
Though the political map has changed since 1521, the territories that composed New Spain continue to be associated with social and economic structures traced to a rigid colonial administration (230).
This study explores and highlights the ceramics of New Spain, the first Spanish American Viceroyalty, and it applies a criteria of value to the Herbert Pickering Lewis ceramics known as Talavera poblana. The donation of the collection is supported by archival documents and registered records at the Art collection is supported by archival documents and registered records at the Art Institute of Chicago. The thesis addresses and provides the reasoning for the Lewis collection and its place within the holdings of the Art Institute.
As a topic of concern to the general public, art of sixteenth through eighteenth century New Spain is of timely interest because it is an example of the confluence of cultures that contributed to Hispanic society. The late twentieth century which nurtured this report displays the evolution of New Spain's arts and beliefs.
The results of the study produced considerable justification for an exhibition of the Herbert Pickering Lewis Collection of Spanish Colonial ceramics.
Recommended Citation
Carlson, Lynn, "The Herbert Pickering Lewis Collection of Talavera Poblano" (1999). Theses. 491.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/theses/491
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