From night to day: The commemorative sensory experience in post-earthquake Lima (1747-1748)

Abstract

This work examines the recovery of the city of Lima after the earthquake of October 28, 1746. The analysis brings together two components: commemorations and catastrophe. By following a sensorial approach, this study establishes the decrease in loudness manifested during the funeral ceremony of Felipe V held in the Peruvian capital in 1747. Likewise, the sensory metamorphosis displayed during the proclamation of the new king, Fernando VI, is presented. That event demonstrated the key role played by visual and olfactory experiences. By cleaning and illuminating the city, the viceregal authorities sought to achieve the sensorial and emotional recovery of the city to overcome the identification of the night with catastrophe.