Jim Carson (American, b. 1942), "Old Mexico", oil on canvas, signed and dated lower right, 2023

sight: 42 x 68 in., frame: 50 x 76 in.

Accompanying story written by the artist: 
The history of Mexico spans more than three millennia. First populated more than 13,000 years ago, central and southern Mexico (called Mesoamerica) saw the rise and fall of complex indigenous civilizations. Mexico would later develop into a unique multicultural society. During the pre-Columbian period, many city-states, kingdoms, and empires competed for power and prestige, the most important being the Aztecs. In 1519 Hernan Cortes began the invasion and decimation of the Aztec civilization and established New Spain as the largest and most important Spanish colony. New Spain became known as Mexico in 1821. Over the centuries indigenous natives and Spanish mixed to form the Mexican people. This painting depicts a small rural nineteenth century Mexican town with a
cast of typical Mexican characters.