Screen with the Siege of Belgrade and hunting scene. Circle of the Gonzalez Family. c. 1687- 1701 CE Tempera and resin on wood, shell inlay.

• Form
  • Only known example of an artwork that combines biombos and enconchados
• Function and Patronage
  • The screen was commissioned by Jose Sarmiento de Valladares, viceroy of New Spain
  • Displayed in Viceregal Palace in Mexico City
  • The screen was meant to divide a space into smaller areas; similar to Japanese screens in function
  • Only half of the screen is illustrated in the official image set; the other half is Mexico City
• Context
  • Two faces of the screen: one has a hunting scene, and the other has a war scene(The Siege of Belgrade)
  • The hunting scene is suited to an intimate space for small receptions
  • The hunting scene is based on tapestry designs for the Medici, a great family of art patrons in Renaissance Italy; the design is derived from prints exported to Europe.
  • The war scene is more suited for a grander room of political importance
  • The war scene depicts the contemporary event of the Great Turkish War; a Dutch Print was used for inspiration
  • The war scene illustrates a scene of Hapsburg's power
  • Lacquer-style imported works from Japan influenced the decorative floral elements and the landscape motifs