Retablo of the Church of Santo Domingo

Expanded understanding of the architecture, materials, and construction methods of colonial retablos in Mexico

A golden altarpiece with religious figures and paintings inside a cathedral

Upper section of the 16th-century retablo in the Church of Santo Domingo, located in Yanhuitlán, Mexico

Photo: Guillermo Aldana

About

Goal

Built in the late 16th century, the main retablo (altarpiece) of the Church of Santo Domingo in Yanhuitlán, Mexico, is constructed of gilded and painted wood, and contains a number of sculptures and panel paintings. The altarpiece suffered serious damage over the years, mainly as the result of seismic activity. This project aimed to document and structurally analyze the retablo to expand understanding of the architecture, materials, and construction methods of colonial retablos in Mexico.

Background

Partners

Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, Mexico

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