San Francisco Acatepec--page 2 (of four pages)

begun in 1650s and completed by 1750






Spectacular use of "azulejos," glazed and colored earthenware tiles
 
 

Main portal with Moorish-inspired decoration

 
 
Many of the tile designs are floral, although two animals are used, the heron and the lamb, important Christian symbols. The sacrificial lamb is common in Christian art and medieval bestiaries claimed that the heron could shed tears, thus it too was associated with Christ's suffering.
 
 

Bottom register with lamb and heron motifs
 
 

The ceremonial entrance to the church precinct seen from within

Walls around the church and decorative gateways are common in Mexico as a way of defining and delineating sacred space.



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© 2013 Mary Ann Sullivan. I have photographed (on site), scanned, and manipulated all the images on these pages. Please feel free to use them for personal or educational purposes. They are not available for commercial purposes.