Abbey-Roads2

Pictured, a Conceptionist nun.

In the autumn of 2005 the Smithsonian held an exhibition of “retratos” or Latin American portraiture, included amongst the collection were portraits of Crowned Nuns.

Popular in Mexico during the Viceregal period in the 17th and 18th centuries, many nuns were depicted as the royal bride of Christ before making their profession in an enclosed monastery.  It was especially popular amongst the Jeronomites, Poor Clares, and Conceptionist nuns.

During colonial times in Mexico, a woman pretty much had two options, marriage or monastic life.  Reading the life of Teresa of Avila, though set in 16th century Spain, gives one some insight into convent life of her time, as well as that of the colonial period in New Spain.  Some convents were less observant and a caste system was indeed in place, hence, girls from poorer families would normally not be able to afford such portraiture, much less the dowries expected in those days.

In the beginning, the portraits were often paid for by the family of the new nun, and were perhaps less extravagant than the example shown here.   As time and prosperity advanced, along with it emerged the regal court-like nuances in monastic life, hence the portraiture became more grand and elaborate, if not ostentatious.

Pictured, a Jeronomite nun.

The crown of course represents the nun’s espousal to Christ as his bride.  Rich embroidery often ornamented her cloak, while she carried elaborate emblems of her religious title, often draped in relicarios, waxen flowers, ribbons and other elegant details.  It was the final act of vanity for a woman who was leaving the world and her status behind to live a consecrated life.  Although, as history reveals, status and prominence, as well as vain additions of trims to the habit were not uncommon as a woman established herself in the religious milieu.

In defense of Miss Mexico once again, the ‘fashion’ associated with crowned nuns also may have influenced young Mexican girls in their dress for special fiestas and events, such as 1st Communions, etc.

Pictured, contemporary Poor Clares.

The tradition of crowned nuns is not peculiar to Mexico, only the elaborate and regal style seems to be.  In monastic life, nuns often wear a crown of roses or another flower, symbol of their espousal to Christ and carry a candle, representative of Baptism, as seen in this photo from a Poor Clare’s profession.

Today, it seems women who enter the cloister are more apt to have a farewell Mass and perhaps a reception before entering the cloister, which can later be an embarrassment if they don’t persevere.  In the 18th century, when one entered the cloister, you really never left, like it or not - hence, one possible explanation for the resulting decadence in some houses.