At the heart of this exhibit is a collection of more than twenty portraits of crowned nuns—the most significant of its kind in Latin America for both artistic and historical value. Through paintings, engaging explanations, and interactive elements, the exhibit explores the lives of women who joined convents during the colonial period.

These paintings captivate specialists and first-time visitors alike. Many pause to gaze at the faces of these women, which seem to return their gaze, pose silent questions, and transport the viewer to another time.

Their ornate crowns and vivid clothing make these portraits stand out from the typical themes of colonial painting. Yet their decoration is not merely aesthetic; the crowns, palms, and other symbols carry strong religious meaning, intended to powerfully convey their significance in the colonial era.

These portraits commemorate two key moments in a nun’s life: profession and death. Profession portraits depict the moment a young woman took her final vows, symbolically “dying” to the outside world. Upon death, portraits were made again, featuring floral crowns and palms, designed to communicate their spiritual journey through easily recognizable symbols.

The crowned nun portraits offer a glimpse—like grand windows—into the rich and complex world of the colonial Baroque in the Americas.