Una Visi´on del M´exico del siglo de las luces

The manuscript text of Spanish merchant Joaquín Antonio de Basarás y Garatgorta titled "Origen, Costumbres y Estado Presente de Mexicanos y Filipinos" (1763) is transcribed here for the first time with a profound study of the 106 watercolors in the second volume of the work. The great value in this work is the images, many of which demonstrate the caste system. Very few of such similar pieces of art have survived from 18th century Mexico. It is a product of an epoch filled with contradictions that attempts to systemize society and promote the ideas of progress, but by it's categorization it often does the opposite. The study brings the text and art into historic context. This is a major contribution to the study of the art and society of 18th century New Spain. The study and documentary details provide a wealth of information that should provide scholars a rich resource.