THE CHÁVEZ FAMILY AND THE PRINTING PRESS IN AGUASCALIENTES: The Rise of an Artisan Family (1835-1870)

The printing press in Aguascalientes was established in 1826, but the consolidation of print culture and its permanence, between 1835 and 1870, was achieved thanks to the Chávez family. This history of printing is also the history of a family that played a key role in the establishment of the graphic arts, print culture and its circulation in a period between Aguascalientes' quest for autonomy, foreign invasions and the liberal-conservative wars. This research is focused on the figure of José María Chávez and his work as an introducer of graphics and promoter of literature, arts and technology that had an impact on several areas of local life, which led him to become an essential cultural agent in the state.