Johann Moritz Rugendas (1802-1858)
Johann Moritz Rugendas (1802-1858)

Los volcanos vistos desde Puebla

Details
Johann Moritz Rugendas (1802-1858)
Los volcanos vistos desde Puebla
oil on canvas
13 x 33½in. (33 x 85cm.)
Painted ca. 1831
Provenance
Private collection, Mexico City

Lot Essay

The west view of the Popocatepetl and Iztacíhuatl volcanes from Puebla is a recurrent theme in the work of Rugendas. The painter often registered the greatest of Mexican volcanoes in situ as he approached them from afar, executing drawings and panoramic views. Some of the works from these excursions are dated and annotated with autobiographical inscriptions, registering moments during the last days of the month of October, precisely the time that Rugendas is known to have visited the region of Puebla. After arriving in Veracruz, the painter slowly made his way to Mexico City making various stops in the vicinity of the town.

Los volcanes vistos desde Puebla belongs to this group of works and corresponds to Rugenda's first glance at the volcanoes from afar. This oil on canvas is also a direct predecessor - with coinciding topographical details - to a study currently in the Collection of Graphic Art in Munich (Staatliche Graphische Sammlung Munchen); catalogue number: MX-O-101 (Pablo Diener. Rugendas. 1802-1858. Catálogo de la Obra, Augsburgo, Wissner Verlag, 1997, Cf. P. 215)

Pablo Diener
October 5, 2001

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