Arturo Michelena facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arturo Michelena
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| Born |
Francisco Arturo Michelena Castillo
16 June 1863 Valencia, Venezuela
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| Died | 29 July 1898 (aged 35) Caracas, Venezuela
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| Nationality | Venezuelan |
| Known for | Painting |
Francisco Arturo Michelena Castillo (born June 16, 1863 – died July 29, 1898) was a famous Venezuelan painter. He was known for his amazing paintings of historical events, everyday life scenes, and portraits of people.
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Becoming a Painter
Arturo Michelena started painting when he was very young. His father, Juan Antonio Michelena, was also a painter and taught him a lot. His mother, Socorro Castillo, came from an artistic family too! Her father, Pedro Castillo, was a mural painter.
Early Talent and Support
When Arturo was just eleven years old in 1874, he drew pictures for a book called Costumbres Venezolanas (Venezuelan Customs). A journalist named Francisco de Sales Pérez saw his talent. He became Arturo's supporter and helped him meet important people. They hoped to get Arturo a scholarship to study art. Later, he also learned from a French painter named Constanza de Sauvage.
Running an Art Academy
From 1879 to 1882, Arturo and his father ran their own painting school in Valencia. They painted portraits for people and made large wall paintings. They also copied famous old paintings. This experience helped Arturo become well-known.
In 1883, he showed two of his paintings at a big art show. It was called the "Great Exhibition of the Centennial of the Birth of El Libertador." This exhibition celebrated the birth of Simón Bolívar, a hero of Venezuela. Arturo won a silver medal for his work!
Studying in Europe
Two years later, the government gave Arturo a special grant. This money allowed him to study art in Europe. He traveled to Paris, France, with another artist, Martín Tovar y Tovar. In Paris, Arturo joined a famous art school called the Académie Julian. He learned from a great teacher named Jean-Paul Laurens.
Winning Big Awards
His teacher, Jean-Paul Laurens, encouraged Arturo to enter his paintings in the famous Paris Salon. In 1887, Arturo entered a painting called "The Sick Child." He won a gold medal, which was a huge honor for a foreign artist! Years later, a rich family bought this painting and took it to New York.
Arturo won another gold medal in 1889 at the Exposition Universelle (1889). This time, it was for his painting of Charlotte Corday on her way to the gallows.
Returning to Venezuela
In 1889, Arturo suddenly returned to Venezuela. Soon after, he married Lastenia Tello Mendoza, who was a well-known art collector. After their wedding, they went back to Paris.
New Projects and Commissions
In 1890, Arturo was hired to draw pictures for a famous play. It was called Hernani by Victor Hugo. He also received a special request from the Venezuelan government. They wanted him to create a painting for New York City. This painting was to thank the city for being kind to General José Antonio Páez when he was living there. Arturo created "Vuelvan Caras" (About Face!). This painting shows the General during the Battle of Las Queseras del Medio.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1892, Arturo became very sick with tuberculosis. His doctors told him to return to Venezuela. Back home, he painted many fashionable portraits. He also became the official painter for President Joaquín Crespo. He received a big job to paint decorations at the Palacio de Miraflores, which is the official home of the president.
Arturo Michelena died from tuberculosis in 1898. He was only thirty-five years old. He left many paintings unfinished, but his work continues to inspire artists today.
Gallery
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Miranda in La Carraca, 1896
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The Sick Child, 1886
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Charlotte Corday, 1889
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Portrait of his wife, Lastenia, 1890
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Vuelvan Caras (About Face!)
See also
In Spanish: Arturo Michelena para niños
