Glory and Tragedy of a Viceregal Painter: Don Cristóbal Daza Morales in Lima (1655-1684)

Abstract

The article illuminates unpublished news about the painter Cristóbal Daza, of Castilian origin, and his career in the service of the viceroy Count of Alba de Liste, from Madrid to Mexico and Lima. The information comes from a lawsuit (1678-1684) pursued by the artist against admiral Francisco Vitoria and his wife María de Madariaga, demanding payment for some paintings for years, forced to do so because he became blind and poor. The expressive document accounts for various historical-artistic aspects in the fabric of Spanish-American art such as the fame of the painter when his works were requested by the viceroys; the transfer of artists and paintings between the different kingdoms of the Spanish monarchy; the return of his paintings to the Madrid court; the evaluation of plastic art among clients and experts; and finally, it is worth highlighting the artist’s attitude from the consideration of the arts as a noble and liberal exercise.