Melchor Pérez Holguín (Cochabamba, Bolivia, 1660 - Potosí, 1732)

Melchor Pérez Holguín (Cochabamba, Bolivia, 1660 - Potosí, 1732) 'Saint Thomas' Oil on canvas. 100 x 78,5 cm. Holguín was one of the most important painters of the colonial mestizo baroque, of what was called the Potosí School, which developed in the years 1700 - 1790. Tenebrism and the influence of Zurbarán were characteristic. Holguin’s work is dominated by the many commissions carried out for the Franciscans and the Dominicans. Born in Cochabamba, Bolivia he died in Potosí. As Suzanne L. Stratton-Pruitt indicates, despite the fact that Holguín of course knew the Cuzcan art that was widespread and stylistically of great influence in Upper Peru, his work was very personal, and is somewhat removed from that style, although it adopts some common elements as the painting of Cuzco, such as the floral borders. There are other elements that are unique to Holguín’s work, such as the addition of gold brocade in the halos and the lace trim on the Virgin Mary’s cloaks and necklines. Likewise, the serenity reflected in the faces of his characters is characteristic of Holguín.