Hidalgo's Banner: The History of Mexico's Revolutionary Icon
The symbols of national identity often carry complex and sometimes confusing histories. One of the most significant icons of the Mexican struggle for independence is Hidalgo's Banner. While often conflated with other flags of the era, the true origin of this painting reveals a fascinating intersection of religious art, academic competition, and spontaneous revolutionary action.
The Artistic Origins of the Banner
Research conducted by Jacinto Barrera Bassols of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has clarified the painting's origins. The work was created in 1805 by Andrés López, a painter and faculty member at the Academy of San Carlos.
The painting was produced as part of an 18th-century initiative known as the "experiment of the bachelor Bartolache." This experiment invited prestigious painters to attempt to copy the Image of the Tilma of Tepeyac (the sacred image of the Virgin of Guadalupe). The goal was to prove that no human hand, regardless of skill, could replicate the original's quality, thereby asserting that the original was a divine work. Because the jury determined that none of the artists could match the original, these reproductions became known as "Touched" copies.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]From the Sacristy to the Battlefield
The transition of this "Touched" copy from a religious artwork to a military banner occurred during the onset of the armed movement on September 16, 1810. The painting was located in the sacristy of the parish of Atotonilco in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, where the leaders of the revolution gathered.
As the leaders prepared to depart, a disagreement arose regarding which flag to use. While the regular troops under the command of Allende and Aldama already possessed the "Twin Flags of Allende," the painting of the Virgin was seized by a rancher among Miguel Hidalgo's troops. The rancher tore the painting down, tied it to a simple clothesline pole from the parish, and presented it to Miguel Hidalgo and Ignacio Allende to be raised before the troops.
Key Facts
- Artist: Andrés López, a faculty member of the Academy of San Carlos.
- Creation Date: 1805.
- Original Purpose: A "Touched" copy created for the Bartolache experiment to prove the divine nature of the Tilma of Tepeyac.
- Location of Adoption: The parish of Atotonilco in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato.
- Date of Adoption: September 16, 1810.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Researcher | Jacinto Barrera Bassols (INAH) |
| Artistic Style | Copy of the Tilma of Tepeyac |
| Context of Creation | Bachelor Bartolache's experiment |
| Revolutionary Role | Improvised banner for Hidalgo's troops |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who actually painted Hidalgo's Banner?
The banner was painted by Andrés López in 1805, who was a member of the faculty at the Academy of San Carlos.
What was the "experiment of the bachelor Bartolache"?
It was a mid-18th-century proposal that allowed skilled painters to copy the Image of the Tilma of Tepeyac to demonstrate that human skill could not replicate the divine quality of the original work.
Why is the painting referred to as "Touched"?
Copies produced during the Bartolache experiment were called "Touched" because the jury decided they failed to match the quality of the original divine image.
How did the painting become a military flag?
During a meeting at the parish of Atotonilco on September 16, 1810, a rancher tore the painting from the wall and tied it to a clothesline pole, giving it to Miguel Hidalgo and Ignacio Allende to lead their troops.
Were there other flags used during the movement?
Yes, the regular troops commanded by Allende and Aldama were already using the so-called Twin Flags of Allende.