The Valley of Mexico Kayla Teague Realism Considered beginning of - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

The Valley of Mexico Kayla Teague

Realism Considered beginning of modern ● art ● Depicted life literally ● Contrasted with beauty ideals Early 20th Century and Late 19th ● Century

José María Velasco ● 1840-1912 ● Mexican painter Professor to many artists ● ● Family was very interested in science ● Painted “The Valley of Mexico” from multiple viewpoints Studied at Academy of San Carlos ●

Examples

Context ● School was made in Mexico City after gaining independence from Spain ● Mainly taught Romantic and Neoclassicist aesthetics ● Professor Eugenio Landesio emphasized “pure landscape” ● Usually highlighted patriotism and the country’s newfound freedom

Function ● To further establish Mexico’s identity Helped other countries ● recognize Mexico as relevant ● To combine various art styles and techniques

Skill/Technique ● Expanded on Landesio’s works More depth and detail ● ● Familiar with the setting ● Explored older Romantic idea of harmony between nature and man

Medium & Location 1875 ● ● Oil on Canvas ● 137.5 cm by 226 cm ● In Mexico City, the National Museum of Art

Content ● Allusions to pre-Hispanic symbols and contemporary elements as well ● Personal references ● Repeatedly illustrated: Valley Mexico

Form ● Earthy tones ● The landscape is the main component ● Very in depth depiction especially compared to previous pieces Front of the piece uses ● richer colors

Comparison

Importance Influential artist from one of first ● art schools in Americas ● Created significant and iconic symbols for Mexico Recognized throughout the world ●