ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the establishment of convents in early modern Iberia and lives of those within convent walls. Six nuns who are known to have practised after they entered religious life are identified. Sor Joana Baptista was a wealthy woman who joined a wealthy convent and enjoyed the benefits of fine materials and time to devote to painting. The obligations of the dowry waiver appear to have been constraining for Sor Maria de la Santísima Trinidad and Sor Estefanía de la Encarnación, while the obligations associated with holding positions of responsibility may have allowed fewer opportunities for Sor Cecilia del Nacimiento and Sor Andrea de la Encarnación to explore their creative potential.
