Juan Patricio Morlete (San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, 1713 - Mexico City, 1772)

Juan Patricio Morlete (San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, 1713 - Mexico City, 1772) ‘Virgin of Guadalupe’. Oil on canvas. 66 x 55,5 cm. Juan Patricio Morlete Ruiz was one of the greatest painters in Mexico during the second half of the 18th century. Although his biography was little known until the 20th century, his work began to be more widely disseminated through various collections, which made it possible to learn more about him. Morlete, with an extensive oeuvre in Mexico, is particularly known for his series of caste paintings. The Museo de América has a still life by his hand (inv. 2021/04/01). Manuel López-Pintado y Almonacid (Toledo, 1677 - Seville, 1745) was an Admiral of the Spanish treasure fleet. He founded the Academy of Painting in 1753, together with his teacher José de Ibarra, Miguel de Cabrera, José de Alcíbar and other illustrious figures. Two years earlier, in 1751, he had been part of the group of artists who inspected the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe. These two events reflect the artistic and cultural importance, as well as the social and professional recognition of our painter.