Art and devotion in the Missions of Paraná and Uruguay: The painting of the Virgin of the Mission of Acaray

A rare surviving painting of the Virgin from the early Jesuit missions in the Province of Paraguay offers new insights into Guarani missionary art, which has largely been lost or misrepresented. The study, based on an analysis of the "Annual" Letters—a primary historical source—reveals that while these letters primarily focused on missionary progress and conversions, they occasionally provide fleeting descriptions of religious imagery. This scarcity of detailed accounts, combined with the anonymous nature of most works (created Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam), complicates efforts to accurately reconstruct the art history of the missions. The research highlights the challenges in distinguishing authentic Guarani artistic contributions from later influences or errors, underscoring the need for cautious interpretation of fragmentary evidence.

Elisa Burró Franco, A. (2020). Art and devotion in the Missions of Paraná and Uruguay: The painting of the Virgin of the Mission of Acaray. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 7(9), 901–912. https://doi.org/10.14738/assrj.79.9161