Battle of Alto Palace (1830) by José María EspinosaMuseo de la Independencia Casa del Florero
José María Espinosa dedicated a large part of his artistic life to portraying the independence process: political leaders, military heroes, characters of the Santa Fe elite and crucial battles for the patriot army.
Such was the case of the Battle of Palacé, painted in 1830.
Espinosa's commitment to the cause of independence was not only reflected in his paintings, but also on the battlefield, when he enlisted in the army commanded by Antonio Nariño for the Southern Campaign of 1813-1814
Under the rank of ensign, the painter participated in the battle depicted here, which ended in victory for the patriots.
The battle, depicted in the distance, is almost hidden behind four trees in the middle of the painting. On the left side the artist highlights General Nariño and Maj. José María Cabal, who are leading the battle.
Behind them, barely visible on the mountain, the rearguard of the patriot army waits to go into action.
In the foreground, two peasants contemplate the facts, and a group of cows, also in a serene attitude, do not flinch at the war action.
serene attitude, are unperturbed by the warlike action.
The raison d'être of the historical fact is on the bridge, where the royalist army is divided in two. While some of its soldiers are still shooting and defending themselves, others are fleeing in retreat.
This painting is much more than a narrative illustration.
The use of color and light, carefully constructed by the artist, and the mastery of the medium, oil on canvas, make this canvas a
work that highlights this self-taught painter as a precursor of the romantic landscape in Colombia.
Museum Director
Elvira Pinzón Méndez
Curation
Luis Felipe Núñez Martínez
Communications
Camila López Lara
Valentina Bastidas
Collection management
Maria Adelaida Bohórquez Botero
Image reproduction:
Museo de la Independencia Casa del Florero / Jairo Gómez photography.
