The Conversion of Saint Mary Magdalene. A Discursive Analysis of Female Iconography in 17th Century Viceregal Peruvian Painting

Abstract

This thesis explores an iconographic motif that became popular in 17th century peruvian painting, as part of a larger discourse that sought to control the actions and authonomy of women in the colonial elite. Following the Counter-Reformation, The Conversion of S. Mary Magdalene becomes a model of representation of women, constructing a discourse of the moral and societal dangers of female vanity and pride, while also offering a solution: redemption through Christian charity. The thesis analyses these discourses through a vast collection of material, primarily paintings, engravings, religious writings, cronicles and archival documents. The epistemological method is iconological and adopts the lense of Michel Foucault´s discourse analysis on the material.