Jose Maria Murillo Y Bracho Paintings

José María Murillo y Bracho, known as Jose Maria Velasco, was a prominent 19th-century Mexican landscape painter, who is considered one of the most important artists in the history of Mexican art. Born on July 6, 1827, in Temascalcingo, Mexico, he displayed an early interest in art and began his studies at the Academy of San Carlos in Mexico City at the age of 19, where he was taught by Italian painter Eugenio Landesio.

Velasco specialized in creating detailed and realistic landscapes of the Mexican countryside, and his works are noted for their precise depiction of the country's geography, natural history, and geology. He was deeply influenced by the topographical and romantic movements of the period, and he combined these with his scientific interest in the environment.

Throughout his career, Velasco won numerous awards and recognitions. His landscapes became symbols of Mexican national pride, as they highlighted the beauty and uniqueness of the Mexican landscape. He exhibited his work internationally, including in the United States and Paris, further establishing his reputation as a leading landscape artist.

Despite his success, Velasco also faced hardship, including periods of illness and poverty. Nevertheless, he continued to work and teach at the Academy of San Carlos. His students included many who would go on to become notable artists themselves.

José María Velasco died on August 26, 1865, in Mexico City. His legacy endures, and his works are displayed in many major museums, including the Museo Nacional de Arte in Mexico City. Velasco's influence on Mexican art was profound, and he is remembered for his dedication to portraying the Mexican landscape with scientific accuracy and artistic beauty.