Mariela Espinoza-Leon

PhD
Art History

Research Title : Novohispanic Art & Medicine Preliminary Research  

Mariela's project explores the intricate interplay of Iberian and Novohispanic artistic influences in medical representation, revealing the fusion of science, art, and medicine. Through analysis spanning various mediums like physician portraits, prints, and sculpture, she traces the evolution of medical depictions in New Spain. Beginning in the eighteenth century, the height of Protomedicato's power, she aims to create a nuanced understanding of visual culture's role, highlighting how science and religion often complement rather than oppose each other. This research sheds light on the interconnectedness of art, science, and faith in shaping societal perceptions of medicine.