The Virgin of Guadalupe: Images and Symbolism in Spain, Mexico and the US

Focus on the histories of miraculous images of La Virgen de Guadalupe de Extremadura (Spain) and La Virgen de Guadalupe de Tepeyac (Mexico). The foundations and growth of the cult of the Mexican Guadalupe during the colonial period is examined along with the multivalent symbolism of her image. Considers contemporary "appearances" of the Virgin of Guadalupe, from the miraculous images on a tree in central California and the compositions of Chicano artists, to mass-produced kitsch. This course can be taken for senior exit credit only by permission of the instructor.