The artwork titled “De Castizo y Mestiza, Chamizo” was created by artist Miguel Cabrera in 1763. This piece belongs to the Baroque art movement and falls under the genre of genre painting. It is part of the “Casta” series, a collection of paintings that depict the racial mixing within the Spanish colonies.
In this artwork, the viewer can observe a family scene encapsulated within a domestic setting. The central subjects include a man, a woman, and a child. The man, dressed in modest clothing with a turban-style headcover, is engaged in crafting or arranging small items, likely sticks or matches, into a container. The woman, sitting beside him, appears contemplative or weary, resting her head on her hands. The child, positioned to the right, is actively pulling materials from a large basket, participating in the scene’s industrious atmosphere. The background is subdued, with focus drawn to the figures through the skillful use of light and shadow characteristic of the Baroque style. This tableau offers a glimpse into the daily life and social constructs of the time, emphasizing the intimate details of familial roles and labor within the colonial context. The gold frame enclosing the painting further accentuates its historical and cultural significance.
