Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz

Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (1648–1695) was a nun, poet and scholar of colonial New Spain, widely considered one of the greatest writers in the Spanish language. Her admirers called her the ‘Tenth Muse,’ adding her to the nine muses of Greek mythology.

She is remembered for works such as the poem ‘Hombres necios’ and for defending women’s right to study. Her portrait has appeared on Mexican banknotes, including the current 100-peso note.