Through a partnership between various sectors such as the state government, municipal and federal governments, institutions and individuals from diverse artistic disciplines, has developed a cultural event ever presented in the country The Great Campechada.
Joining the celebration of 500 years of the government of Puerto Rico and 200 years after the death of Jose Campeche y Jordan, our first national painter, is the perfect moment to celebrate a major event around his figure.
Added to this is now in the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico exhibits the most comprehensive exhibition has been made on José Campeche y Jordan, under the title "Campeche: Myth and Reality".
The interest generated by this show and the exaltation of the work of who was considered the most important painter of the eighteenth century colonial America, has given way to the initiative to hold the 'Campechada'.
Added to this is now in the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico exhibits the most comprehensive exhibition has been made on José Campeche y Jordan, under the title "Campeche: Myth and Reality".
The interest generated by this show and the exaltation of the work of who was considered the most important painter of the eighteenth century colonial America, has given way to the initiative to hold the 'Campechada'.
The 'Campechada' will undoubtedly be the most important cultural event of 2011. With the union of 19 entities, public and private, devoted to the arts, culture and conservation, 'Campeche' will take a multidisciplinary collect Old San Juan to return to the era of the 18th century, in which he lived José Campeche and painted.
The music, theater, literature, body art, cuisine, fashion design and, of course, art will be represented through the streets and most emblematic of the old city, where he spent all his life.
Who was Jose Campeche
José Campeche (December 23, 1751–1809), born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is the first known Puerto Rican visual artist and considered by many as one of the best rococo artists in the Americas.
Campeche was born to Tomás de Rivafrecha y Campeche (1701–1780), a freed slave born in Puerto Rico, and María Jordán y Marqués from the Canary Islands. Because of this mixed descent, he was identified as a mulatto, a common term during his time. Campeche's father was a restorer and painter of religious statues and had an early influence on the younger Campeche's interest in the arts. He was trained by Luis Paret y Alcazar, a Spanish court painter banished from Spain.[1]
Paintings by Jose Campeche
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| Virgen de la Soledad de la Victoria (c. 1782-1789) | The Rescue of Don Ramón Power y Giralt (c. 1790) | "Ramón de Castro" (1800) | ||||||
Campeche distinguished himself with his paintings related to religious themes and of governors and other important personalities. His most famous paintings are:
- Virgen de la Soledad de la Victoria
- Our Lady of Bethlehem
- The Virgin of the Rosary
- Saint John the Baptist
- The Sacred Family
- The Bishop of San Francisco de la Cuerda
- The Vision of Saint Anthony
- The Rescue of Don Ramón Power y Giralt in honor of Ramon Power y Giralt
- Juan Alejo de Arizmendi
- Ramón de Castro
- Miguel A. de Ustariz
Puerto Rican society of the times appreciated Campeche's personal and artistic merits. He is considered among the most gifted rococo artists in the Americas. Campeche's works of art can be found today in museums, churches and private collections in Puerto Rico and Venezuela. Campeche died in the city of San Juan on November 7, 1809.[2]
There is a José Campeche room located in the former Dominican Convent in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico where some of his works can be seen and appreciated by the general public. This building is currently being renovated and will be reinaugurated as the National Gallery of Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico has schools and avenues named after Campeche to honor his memory. The José Campeche High School is located in San Lorenzo. Manuel Gregorio Tavarez composed a funeral march "Redención" in Campeche's honor. Puerto Rico's greatest graphic artist Lorenzo Homar also created a work of art commemorating Campeche. He is buried at the San José Church in Old San Juan.[2]
The Great Campechada In Old San Juan
Nov 18,19 and 20, 2011
Enjoy three days of The Great Campechada and rediscovered Old San Juan while staying in the Howard Johnson Plaza De Armas Hotel .. We have an amazing prices to stay here for that great event .... We are right next to the Department of State and we have a trolley stop right outside the door ... For more information call 787-722-9191 ... we look forward to see you..
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