Motivaciones barrocas. Los benefactores de las misiones jesuitas de la Antigua California (1697-1768)

Laburpena

In this study we explore the people who financed the Jesuit missions in Baja California between 1698 and 1768. The donors of these missions are characterized by their baroque mentality, which links material wealth and spirituality together. Their main concerns were to expand their sources of income, secure their economic well-being, and gain recognition as pious Christians. These operations were usually done by juggling their own interests against those of other parties. Our study of documents such as wills, letters, and commercial contracts allows us a glimpse into daily life in New Spain in the XVIII century, where salvation and wealth were intimately related. We explore the motives and actions of the donors of the Jesuit missions, and how their influence could contribute to the success or failure of the Californian missions.