The Spatial Dimensions of Romantic Intrigue in Seventeenth-Century Mexico City

When Magdalena Sanchez and Pedro Saravia arranged their amorous rendezvous in 1625 at Magdalena’s home, they were mindful of the watchful ears and eyes of neighbors.  More important, they plotted and strategized just how they would be able to find time alone in a busy household filled with servants and relatives.  Everything had to be timed just right, as household residents moved through certain rooms, gardens, and spaces.   Some rooms were more acceptable to romance even with family present.  As in the case of Magdalena and Pedro, privacy, private spaces, and physical gestures (from handholding to kisses to more intimate embraces) became major concerns for young lovers.  This paper examines an essential element of courtship in Mexico City in the 17^th century, namely how individuals negotiated not only values and popular ideas and gestures regarding romantic love and honor, but space in households that rarely lent themselves to private moments.  This paper provides a window into how inhabitants expressed their sentiments of romantic love and societal expectations regarding courtship and reputation, and privacy.