José Campeche (San Juan, Puerto Rico, 1751-1809)

José Campeche (San Juan, Puerto Rico, 1751-1809) San Juanito Oil on panel. Signed. With a carved wood frame of the 18th century. Size: 29 x 21 cm. Frame size: 60 x 54,5 cm. Campeche was one of the most recognized Puerto-Rican artists. The only disciple of Luis Paret y Alcázar (1746-1799), who arrived at the island after being exiled by King Charles III, between 1775 and 1778. The Puerto Rico Art Museum keeps some of his works of art in their collection. His biographical index card there explains: 'He mainly developed religious themes and portraits in his painting. His work is considered to be rococo because of its interest in detail and ornamentation. Bluish greys and pinks dominate his palette, which he assimilated from Paret. In 2006 the Ponce Museum of Art organized an exhibition which travelled to the prestigious Worcester Art Museum in Massachusetts and which included paintings by Campeche, Francisco Oller and Miguel Pou. Campeche has great mastery in portraits and miniatures, characteristics which lead him to being one of the most exalted and outstanding Hispanic-American painters of the late 18th century.'