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

Description

An outstanding large South American landscape
An extensive vista towards a lush river valley with majestic volcanic picks in the … more An outstanding large South American landscape
An extensive vista towards a lush river valley with majestic volcanic picks in the background
Two charming little huts "chozas", hardly discernable on the hill and a primitive bridge romantically infer the existence of humanity in the wilderness
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"
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