Arte y vida cotidiana en Cuenca durante los siglos XVI al XVIII, una cercana relación

Abstract

The close relationships between daily life and the arts is examined in this paper with reference to Cuenca, a third order city in the Real Audiencia de Quito, between the 16th and the 18th centuries. The author defines the conditions of the city foundation and the growing demand for craftsmen and artists alike, whose work are destined to fulfill daily requirements more than to cover important religious commissions. Cuenca’s relative isolation provokes a growing offer of local goods, although prestige imported items are always present. The change in conditions during the 18th century drives the development of local artistic manifestations, closely related with daily life. Large and complex mural paintings with unique features will become an outstanding example of local artin the Andes.