The ransom of Atahualpa
Carlos Baca-Flor1896
MALI, Museo de Arte de Lima
Lima, Peru
During his first years as a student in Paris, Carlos Baca-Flor decided to undertake historical compositions referring to Peru. Probably inspired by the example of Luis Montero, the artist dedicated a number of studies to the subject of the capture and ransom of Atahualpa, taking as his starting point some sketches made during his short stay in Lima, between 1887 and 1890. In this case, the rescue scene takes on a theatrical air, not only because of the characters’ demeanor, but also because of the dramatic light and the lively and effective brushstrokes that so characterized this youthful period. (RK)
- Title: The ransom of Atahualpa
- Creator Lifespan: Islay, 1867 - París, 1941
- Creator Nationality: Peruvian
- Creator Gender: Masculine
- Creator Death Place: París
- Creator Birth Place: Islay
- Date Created: 1896
- Physical Dimensions: w1360 x h800 cm (Complete)
- Type: Oil on canvas
- Rights: Colección Museo de Arte de Lima. Programa de Adquisiciones 1959. Restaurado con el patrocinio de Southern Perú Copper Corporation
- painter: Carlos Baca-Flor
- Título original: El rescate de Atahualpa
- Técnica: Óleo sobre tela
- Texto curatorial: Durante sus primeros años de estudio en París, Carlos Baca-Flor se propuso emprender algunas composiciones de carácter histórico referidas al Perú. Probablemente inspirado por el ejemplo de Luis Montero, el pintor dedicó varios estudios al tema de la captura y rescate del inca Atahualpa, tomando como punto de partida algunos apuntes realizados durante su corta estancia en Lima, entre 1887 y 1890. En este caso, la escena del rescate adquiere un aire teatral, no sólo por las actitudes de los personajes, sino además por la dramática iluminación y la pincelada ágil y efectista tan característica de este periodo juvenil. (RK)
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