ABSTRACT
This chapter considers how the imagery of the Casa de Montejo’s facade corresponds to the changing realities and shifting power dynamics. It explores the broader societal constructs relating to the façade’s iconography, which architects have seen is multivocal in its expressions of Renaissance-era ideas about the relationship among virtuous patrons, grand buildings, the urban form, and Hispanic culture. The chapter analyzes the more medieval and Gothic imagery of the facade, and shows how these older visual forms were incorporated into the Renaissance façade to visually enhance Montejo’s position of adelantado. In making such political and social declarations in stone, Montejo relied upon artistic traditions already engrained in Spanish culture. The position of adelantado emerged during the Reconquista and over the centuries, evolving from a military commander to a political office. Montejo was deeply involved in political battles with conquistadors and with the religious orders.
