We perform José María Velasco art authentication, appraisal, certificates of authenticity (COA), analysis, research, scientific tests, full art authentications. We will help you sell your José María Velasco or we will sell it for you. Jose Maria Velasco was born in the village Temascalcingo, Mexico in 1840. Velasco is known as one of the most important Mexican painters of the 19th century.

In 1849 Velasco moved with his family to Mexico City. Within a few months, Velasco’s father died of cholera. At a young age, Velasco had to support himself, working at a clothing store in the city. Velasco simultaneously worked and studied, attending the Colegio Lancasteriano of Santa Catarina Martir. It was at this school where Velasco realized his skill for drawing.

In 1855 Velasco began his studies at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Carlos de Valencia. Velasco studied in the nights, passionate about his art courses. Velasco studied under the direction of Miguel Mata, Filipe Sojo and Juan Urruchi. In addition, Velasco received European influence from well-known Italian and Catalan instructors at the Academy. The Academy stressed the value of composition, color and light. Velasco won a prize for his piece, Patio de Exconvento de San Agustin. This piece was noted for its confidence and technical skill.

In the time Velasco was enrolled at the San Carlos, the students generally focused themes distinct to Mexico. Painters usually depicted religious, mythological or historical subjects. Velasco preferred to paint from nature and his surroundings. Velasco showed a sensitivity and skill that allowed him to represent his country in a different way than his contemporaries. Velasco was greatly inspired by his Italian instructor, Landesio. As time passed, Velasco was able to incorporate his own vision of Mexico into the lessons he had learned from Landesio.

In 1868 Velasco became a professor of perspective painting and married the lovely señorita Luz Sanchez Armas Galindo. In the following years, Velasco established himself as a master painter. In 1889 Velasco was commissioned by the Governor of Mexico to exhibit in the Universal Exposition of Paris. Velasco was awarded for his work in Paris and exhibited in the 1893 World Fair in Chicago.

After suffering a hear attack, Velasco painted almost exclusively in his house in the Village of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Velasco continued to paint until the end of his life. Velasco’s paintings are known in Mexico and internationally. Do you think you own a Velasco painting? Contact us. We are the Velasco experts.