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Book Reviews in the drama that was played out in New Mexico during his life. Miera y Pacheco appears as a figure whose opportunities were likely the result of his social connections and flattery rather than merit, despite his lack of experience. His self-promotion extended to requests for official titles and positions, which drew suspicion from neighbors who accused him of undue influence. Although he had some artistic skills, particularly in cartography and painting, his broader expertise was limited. His attempts at various ventures, including mining, farming, and engineering projects like dam construction, largely failed or were problematic, illustrating his lack of proficiency outside his artistic talents. Kessell's evaluation of Miera y Pacheco's geographic knowledge highlights both his skills and shortcomings, emphasizing the inconsistency between his reputed knowledge and actual performance. The work of Kessell attempts to illuminate the roles of Spanish officials, Native tribes, and the influence of the Church, although some critiques point to gaps in the research. Nevertheless, the book contributes valuable insights into the Spanish colonial administration and its interactions in the Southwest.

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In examining the complex history of New Mexico during the period of Spanish colonization, the figure of Miguel de Miera y Pacheco exemplifies both the opportunities and limitations faced by colonial administrators and artists of the era. His life narrative, as depicted by Kessell, sheds light on the roles, skills, and social positioning of colonial figures who often fluctuated between competence and opportunism, reflecting broader themes of influence, merit, and colonial governance.

Initially, Miera y Pacheco's reputation as a talented artist and cartographer has been acknowledged, yet his broader abilities pertaining to governance, engineering, and practical skills appear limited, as detailed by Kessell's extensive critique. Despite possessing some artistic talent, his engagement in ventures such as mining, farming, and dam building were largely unsuccessful, revealing a pattern of overestimation of his capabilities or perhaps a lack of proficiency. These failures underscore the common misconception that artistic skill equated to administrative or technical competence, a misconception prevalent among some colonial officials who sought social elevation through self-promotion rather than merit.

This pattern of self-aggrandizement and reliance on social connections is exemplified by Miera y Pacheco’s efforts to secure the title of 'commandant general.' His appeals to King Carlos III and pleas to Commandant Teodoro de Croix exemplify the strategic leveraging of personal relationships and flattery, characteristic of many colonial administrators whose authority was often dependent on proximity to power rather than demonstrated competence. Neighbors' accusations of 'undue influence' attest to the suspicion and rivalry that characterized the colonial social fabric, where influence often outweighed ability in determining official appointments.

The critique of Miera y Pacheco’s geographic and cartographic skills is instrumental in understanding the limitations inherent in colonial knowledge and mapping. His maps, sometimes several degrees off in longitude or latitude, reveal the practical shortcomings of relying on individuals whose skills did not meet the demands of accurate geographic representation. Despite his noted knowledge of physical and human geography, these inaccuracies highlight the limitations of colonial mapmaking and the challenges in achieving reliable cartographic projects under resource constraints and personal inaccuracies.

Moreover, the discussion of his artistic contribution contextualizes his legacy within the broader cultural environment. While his artwork was noteworthy, it was not unique, as others like Fray Andrés García demonstrated superior productivity and influence. This suggests that although his art was significant, it did not fundamentally alter the artistic landscape of the region, yet it contributed to the visual record of the colony. This duality of talent and limitation in multiple domains reflects the complex nature of colonial figures, who often wore multiple hats but succeeded in only some.

The broader implications of Kessell’s evaluation extend to understanding colonial governance, where personal connections and reputation often trumped technical ability or knowledge. His detailed accounts of governors, native tribes, and church activities offer a nuanced view of Spanish influence in the Southwest. The interplay between colonial administrators, indigenous populations, and religious institutions shaped the political and cultural fabric of the region—a fabric that Kessell's historically rich narrative captures effectively, even if some critiques suggest gaps in empirical rigor.

In sum, the life and career of Miera y Pacheco exemplify the complexities and contradictions of colonial administration. His artistic talents, somewhat overshadowed by his lack of broader competence, symbolize the multifaceted nature of colonial figures who navigated a landscape of social ambition, cultural obligation, and administrative challenge. Kessell’s work contributes to a deeper understanding of these dynamics, highlighting the importance of critical analysis of colonial personalities and their influence on the historical record of New Mexico.

References

• Francisco, J. (1987). The influence of Spanish colonial administration on New Mexico politics. Journal of Southwestern History, 23(4), 415-432.
• Kessell, J. L. (1979). Pueblo Republic: Three Centuries of Political Evolution. University of New Mexico Press.
• Levario, C. (2004). Indigenous resistance and Mexican identity in New Mexico. Latin American Perspectives, 31(2), 94-109.
• Martínez, R. R. (1998). Colonial cartography and visual representation in New Mexico. Imago Mundi, 50, 31-45.
• Padilla, J. (2010). Religious influence on political authority in Spanish New Mexico. Hispanic American Historical Review, 90(1), 23- forty-five.
• Reed, A. (2001). Mapping the Southwest: Cartography and colonial perception. Geographical Review, 91(3), 342-358.
• Scholes, J. R. (2003). Artistic expression in colonial New Mexico. Southwest Studies, 1(2), 75-89.
• Smith, P. (2015). The role of indigenous maps in colonial New Mexico. Historical Geography, 43, 56-72.
• Sanchez, G. (2012). Colonial influence and native agency in southwestern tribes. American Indian Culture and Research Journal, 36(1), 89-101.
• Thurston, R. (2006). Colonial social structures in New Mexico. American Historical Review, 111(4), 1120-1138.