Jose Maria Velasco
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Jose Maria Velasco
Born on July 6th, 1840, Jose Maria Velasco was a 19th-century famous painter who used Mexican geography as a representation of national identity using his paintings. At the time, he was one of the most famous artists. He was an internationally renowned figure. Some of the most significant characteristics of Jose Maria Velasco’s work include a scientific approach to painting, using landscape as a symbol of Mexico’s identity and technology and industrialization.
Velasco illustrated a scientific approach to nature, as clearly evidenced in how he showcased nature in his paintings. He tried to make it as exact as possible. He ensured the painting had the exact detail he wanted under the controlled circumstances. He bases his paintings on numerous sketches that he had done in the landscape. Velasco had developed some of these sketches as he hiked in the mountains. His paintings show the value of Mexico City from his perspective. In the painting of the valley of Mexico, he does not include human figures, but instead, he includes an eagle that has flown off the cactus. The eagle is a symbol of imagery. Mexican history relates to the Aztec Migration story where they established their capital city (Modern Day Mexico City) on an island in the middle of the lake. The eagle perched on a cactus is a symbol of the Mexican flag that can be found on the Mexican currency. The symbol is an important way through which modern Mexico ties itself to its Aztec origin. Velasco uses human figures as key components and not as mere accessories for the artwork. Velasco explores the romantic relationship between human beings and the sceneries they inhabit. There are two indigenous figures that are painted to be in transit with their belongings and pets. They seem to be fleeing the city reflecting the romantic yet struggling relationship between the natives and their ancestral land.
Jose Maria Velasco’s work, Valley of Mexico from the Hillside of Santa Isabel, 1875, became a symbol of the nation as it showcased a significant phase in the development of Mexico’s national identity. Additionally, the work also showcases an important episode in the history of art in Mexico. The photo landscapes developed by Velasco became significant symbols represented in various World Fairs across Mexico.
