Church of San Miguel and Pueblo House c. 19th century

Peter Moran created this etching of the Church of San Miguel and Pueblo House in the late nineteenth century, a period when artists ventured West seeking new subjects and audiences. This image presents a view of daily life in a New Mexican town, depicting not just the church but also the surrounding buildings, livestock, and inhabitants. The church itself, a symbol of Spanish colonial influence, stands alongside the indigenous Pueblo architecture, hinting at a complex cultural landscape. It was a time of increasing tourism and interest in the Southwest, fueled by the expansion of railroads and the promotion of its exotic appeal. Moran's choice to depict this scene through etching, a printmaking technique, suggests an effort to disseminate these images widely, contributing to the construction of a particular narrative about the American West. Understanding such images requires us to look at the artist's biography, period publications, and the historical context of westward expansion, revealing how art shapes and reflects social perceptions.