The paths of good and evil in the 18th-century painting of the New Spain

The Catholic Church propagated the idea of the existence of two paths, that of good and that of evil, through images, so that the faithful would regulate their conduct based on the teaching they contained. The path of good, which was ethically recommended, led to heaven. It was called “the path of thorns” because it was of renouncing earthly goods and satisfactions in favour of suff ering. The path of evil, presided by the demon, led to hell. It was called “the path of roses” because it was pleasant. In him amusements prevailed, the good life and the enjoyment of sensory pleasures.