Lot no. 45
Tropical American School. Circa 1780-1850.
'Family Scene'
Oil on canvas.
86 x 66 cm.
The prominent visual elements of this work, such as the dark-skinned figures, lush vegetation, and the possible presence of waterfalls in the background, suggest a warm and humid environment characteristic of tropical regions in the Americas during the 18th or 19th century. Based on its style and technique, the painting could be attributed to a local workshop or an itinerant artist influenced by the artistic trends of European travelers, who often sought to document or idealize the realities of the New World.
The composition reflects a narrative structured around the figures, who appear engaged in daily activities connected to life in a natural setting. Warm, earthy tones contrasted with the vibrant green of the vegetation create a sense of visual harmony. The nude children and partially clothed adults reinforce the connection to a warm climate. The focused lighting on the central figure—a standing man raising his arms in a broad gesture—directs attention to his narrative prominence, while visible utensils in the scene may suggest domestic or ritual activities.
Specific elements such as the waterfalls, utensils, nude children, partially clothed adults, and tropical vegetation point to a warm region of the Americas where domestic tasks and nature are intertwined in daily life. These details could link the work to countries like Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, or certain Caribbean islands.
Bibliographic references:
- Baudot, Georges. Arte virreinal en Hispanoamérica. Madrid: Ediciones Istmo, 1994.
- Luis García, Jorge. Pintura de viajeros y la construcción del imaginario americano. Bogotá: Universidad Nacional de Colombia, 2003.
- Deans-Smith, Susan. Cultural Politics in Colonial Mexico: Representations and Negotiations. Stanford University Press, 1992.
- Pratt, Mary Louise. Imperial Eyes: Travel Writing and Transculturation. Routledge, 1992.
- Querejazu, Pedro. La pintura en Bolivia: Siglo XIX. La Paz: Fundación Cultural del Banco Central de Bolivia, 1997.
- Tardieu, Jean-Pierre. Esclavitud y arte en Hispanoamérica. París: L’Harmattan, 2009.
Pictures credits: Contact organization
Old paintings
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