A collection of significant historical paintings has been discovered in storage at Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, verified by an art historian as original and important works.
The five casta paintings, dating back to the early 1700s, have been authenticated by art specialist Ilona Katzew. The city council intends to showcase these exceptional pieces in a major exhibition in September.
Casta paintings originated in 18th-century Spanish America within the Viceroyalty of Mexico and represented the racial blending resulting from marriages among Spanish settlers, enslaved individuals, and indigenous populations.
“These newly discovered casta paintings are outstanding examples of the genre, with more complexity than previously known,” said Ms. Katzew, the curator and department head of Latin American art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. She attributed the works to Juan Rodríguez Juárez or his circle, a prominent artist of that era.
Tara Munroe, the creative director of Leicester arts organization Opal 22, researched and investigated the paintings. Reflecting on her early days as a trainee curator, she said, “I see more than just the beauty of these paintings; I see the beginnings of the myth of racial identity and an opportunity to deconstruct elements of social and racial stereotyping in today’s context.”
Opal 22 is collaborating with Leicester City Council to curate a major exhibition featuring these casta paintings alongside others worldwide. The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Arts Council are providing financial support for the event, scheduled for September at the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery.
The city council’s museum service will also clean and conserve the paintings in preparation for public display. Deputy City Mayor for Culture, Leisure and Sport, Piara Singh Clair, expressed gratitude for the efforts in uncovering and identifying these captivating paintings, saying, “Presenting the casta paintings in their historical context is crucial to comprehending their cultural significance, and sharing them with a broader audience allows us to appreciate and reconsider their meaning for contemporary viewers.”
As anticipation for the exhibition grows, the discovery of these casta paintings in Leicester has generated increased interest in the genre among art enthusiasts and historians alike. Uncovering these previously unseen works offers a rare opportunity to explore further the complexities of racial identity and social dynamics in 18th-century Spanish America.
In preparation for the exhibition, educational programs and workshops will be organized to help engage the public with the historical context and significance of the casta paintings. Interactive discussions will encourage reflection on the role these artworks played in shaping racial and social perceptions of the time and how these perceptions have evolved through the centuries.
Art institutions and experts worldwide eagerly await the opportunity to examine these exceptional Casta paintings up close. Their display in the upcoming exhibition will bring international attention to the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery and enrich the city’s cultural heritage.
The casta paintings exhibition is expected to draw visitors from around the globe, contributing to Leicester’s growing reputation as a vibrant cultural hub. As the event approaches, the city is preparing to welcome art enthusiasts, scholars, and curious visitors alike, all eager to explore the fascinating history and meaning behind these remarkable artworks.
