Late 19th Century Rafael Salas Oil Painting on Canvas of an Andean Landscape

Description

An outstanding panoramic South American landscape from the Ecuadorian Andes
An extensive vista towards a deep lush valley with majestic … more An outstanding panoramic South American landscape from the Ecuadorian Andes
An extensive vista towards a deep lush valley with majestic volcanic pick in the background
A small village with a church and some buildings is blending in the midground, some more villages are hardly discernable in the vast vista
Hand written in pencil toponyms on verso, possibly by the artist himself: "Pifo, Yaruqui, Puembo, Quinche, Cayambe, Guapulo." - all little villages surrounding Quito. Cayambe is a volcano, most likely the one in the background
The painting is signed lower right R. Salas
Rafael Salas (Ecuador, 1826-1906), born in Quito, son of the famous painter Antonio Salas is one of the most prominent Ecuadorian artists. He traveled to Europe on a scholarship granted by President García Moreno to perfect himself in painting. Once he returned to Ecuador, and at the request of the president, he painted the canvas of the Heart of Jesus, before which the official consecration of the Republic of Ecuador to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to The Immaculate Heart of Marry was verified on March 25th, 1874.
Salas is acclaimed as one of the greatest glories of Quito art, who distinguished himself as the first major Ecuadorean landscape painter. He also painted the portraits of some great historical figures at the time, such as Simon Bolivar.
Salas also taught landscape painting at the Escuela de Bellas Artes in Quito from 1904 until his death.
The painting has been removed from the stretcher at some point, possibly for easier transportation
Circa second half of the 19th century, all original

Measurements: Approx. 31" x 20" overall
Weighs about 2 lbs.
Condition: Very Good overall. Please see photos. Some abrasions and minor paint loss, consistent with age. It needs to be reattached to a stretcher in order to be framed. less