Colegio beaterio de Santa Rosa de Viterbo de Querétaro: benefactores y artistas

Abstract

A brief discussion covers the origin of the beaterio, the similarities and differences between the beatas (lay sisters) and nuns, and the need to strengthen the community of Santa Rosa de Viterbo with the licenses required from civil and ecclesiastical authorities. Then it refers to the initial establishment and sponsors of the building as it stands today, the priests Sebastián de Olivares and Matías de Híjar, and later the wealthy patron, Pedro Romero de Terreros. After describing the makers of the building and the altarpieces and paintings decorating it, it offers an analysis, description, and critique of some of the architectural and pictorial works, their achievements and their shortcomings.