Artifact Spotlight — 19th Century Portrait of Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla

October 1, 2024
Oil painting of Father Hidalgo in an ornate frame

Father Hidalgo was the parish priest in Dolores, Mexico and this portrait is his image in oil on tin.

He called the people to revolt against Spanish authority on September 16, 1810, in what is known as the “Grito de Dolores.” This event would eventually lead to Mexican independence in 1821.

Father Hidalgo would not survive to see Mexican Independence; he was captured on his way to San Antonio de Bexar before heading to New Orleans, was tried for treason, and executed.