Art (and manuscript cookbooks) in peril
Here’s a link that lists some of the pieces of art that have disappeared from Mexico recently, particularly from churches. It makes very sad reading.
What are not included in this list are manuscript cookbooks. Many of the great convents in Mexico still have magnificent manuscript cookbooks from the eighteenth century. These are not only writen in a beautiful hand but really are part of the treasure of Mexico because it was in the convents that much of the country’s cuisine was created.
I happen to know for a fact that one of the most important “vanished” within the last couple of years. For a variety of reasons, the fact of its loss was suppressed. It may be well taken care of in the collection of whoever it was that purchased it. He or she obviously can not make it available to others though. So it’s effectively gone. Unless perhaps some day some one returns it to the convent or to the national archive.
If you travel to Mexico, and if you are interested in its stupendous heritage of colonial architecture, you might look at the books available on the Espadana web site.
