Abstract

MINGUEZ, Víctor. Hieroglyphic Images for an Empire in Fiesta. Relac. Estud. hist. soc. [online]. 2009, vol.30, n.119, pp.81-112. ISSN 2448-7554.

The Spanish empire relied upon the communicative power of images to consolidate its dominion over its widespread European and American territories. The hieroglyphics -as they were called- that adorned the architecture and ephemeral decorations in the setting of baroque celebrations constituted one of the Monarchy' s principal instruments of collective persuasion. The thousands of painted hieroglyphics that hung in town squares, streets and buildings throughout the empire announced appropriate slogans to subjects of all races.

Keywords : emblems; hieroglyphics; Spanish empire; power; art.