Artist: Francisco Bilbao
Confronting Bodies: Catholic authorities and Chilean government
Date of Action: June 1844
Specific Location: Chile
Description of Artwork: Bilbao criticized Catholicism and government in Chile in his article "Chilean Sociability." He called the government politically and socially backward because of the "black weight" of the church
Description of Incident: The "Catholic Review" accused Bilbao of blasphemy, sedition and immorality. He was aquitted of the sedition charge but found guilty of the remaining charges. His work was siezed, burned and he was fired from his position at the National Institute. Again in 1850, his work, "Spiritual Bulletins," was said to deny original sin. All of his followers were excommunicated.
Results of Incident: Bilbao continued to criticize the church. He left Chile for Peru and eventually left Peru for France after offending the Peruvian president.
Source: Censorship, A World Encyclopedia, ed. D. Jones
Submitted By: NCAC