Self-portrait

Juan Rodríguez Juárez, who received his first artistic training from his father, Antonio Rodríguez, is considered one of the pioneering painters of the first half of the XVIIth century. He was one of those neo-Hispanic painters who, in the last decade of the XVIIth century, experienced and communicated a feeling of national identity. He devoted himself to religious and social topics, and also to portrait painting. According to José Bernardo Couto, the author of Diálogos sobre la historia de la pintura en México ("Dialogues about the History of Painting in México"), his works are marked by adherence to a deeply rigorous style which retains the dignity of the XVIIth century, in contrast to the bright colors and soft imprint of the XVIIIth century. The artist paints himself side-on and from the waist up, in an elegant, erect position. The sharp-featured, severe face sets off the haughty expression which speaks of self-assurance. The long, dark hair fades into the dark background, and his attire - he is wearing a blue jacket edged with ochre-colored thread which matches the white kerchief knotted around his neck- bears witness to his social rank. This canvas hung in the San Diego Viceregal Painting Gallery, becoming part of the MUNAL collection in the year 2000.