The Horses of Arturo Michelena

Arturo Michelena was a Venezuelan artist during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born to an artistic family, he began painting at an early age under the guidance of his father.

Venezuelan Hero

As a young man he helped his father to open an academy of art in his home town of Valencia. However it wasn’t until Michelena went to Paris that he began painting the finest work of his life. He favored historic scenes using his signature narrative style and his subjects are beautifully romanticized. I love the obvious Iberian influence of the horses in his work.

Today Michelena is considered an important figure in the history of Venezuelan art.

Bolívar en Carabobo

Bolívar en Carabobo

Cavalry Charge

Cavalry Charge

Delivery of the Flag

Delivery of the Flag

Equestrian Portrait of General Joaquín Crespo

Equestrian Portrait of General Joaquín Crespo

Joaquín Crespo at the Battle of Los Colorados

Joaquín Crespo at the Battle of Los Colorados

Have A Favorite?

My favorite has to be the portrait at the top, it’s beautifully done. The expression on Bolívar’s face is the perfect blend of boredom & arrogance that can only be achieved by the wealthy or incredibly powerful.

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