View of the Choir inside the church of the monastery of El Escorial, from a series of "Views of El Escorial" 1785 - 1795

Tomás López Enguídanos created this print of the El Escorial monastery’s choir as part of a series of views, likely in the late 18th or early 19th century. The print offers a glimpse into the architecture and religious life of the monastery, but also tells a story of power, faith, and knowledge during the Spanish Enlightenment. Enquídanos was working in a time of significant social and political change. Enlightenment ideals were challenging traditional religious and monarchical authority. Note how the artist positions us, the viewers, at the periphery, looking in. The monks are illuminated by the light, and engaged in practices that remain inaccessible to us. Consider the role of the church in shaping identities and enforcing social hierarchies. Monasteries were centers of religious and intellectual life, but also tools for maintaining social order. They were places where men could gain power, influence, and status, often at the expense of those excluded from these institutions. This image captures a moment in that history, inviting us to reflect on the complex interplay between faith, power, and representation.