José García Hidalgo facts for kids

José García Hidalgo (born around 1645 or 1646 – died around 1717 or 1719) was a Spanish painter. He wrote notes about his life, but he didn't say exactly when or where he was born. Later on, people found out he was born in Villena in 1646. Other artists at the time called him El Castellano, which means "The Castilian".

Life of a Painter

José García Hidalgo started his art studies in the city of Murcia. He learned from two masters, Mateo Gilarte and Nicolás de Villacis. After spending several years with them, he traveled to Italy. In Rome, he became a student of Giacinto Brandi and made great progress in his painting skills.

Famous painters like Pietro da Cortona, Salvator Rosa, and Carlo Maratti also gave him advice. However, the weather in Italy wasn't good for his health. So, he returned to Spain. There, he joined the workshop of Carreño. Even though Hidalgo was already a skilled artist, he worked like a new student to learn more.

In 1674, he moved to Madrid. King Charles II hired him to paint a series of twenty-four pictures. These paintings showed the life of Saint Augustine and were for the cloisters (covered walkways) of San Felipe el Real. This big project, along with other jobs for the king, kept him busy until 1711.

Later, King Philip V also hired him often. In 1703, Philip V made him his principal painter. This meant he was the main artist for the royal family. Soon after, he was also made a knight of the Order of St. Michael. Towards the end of his life, he lived in the San Felipe convent. He likely passed away there in 1719.

José García Hidalgo also wrote books to help other art students. One of his famous books was Principios para estudiar la nobilissima arte de la Pintura (1691). He also wrote other works about anatomy and painting. You can find his paintings in cities like Madrid, Valencia, Sigüenza, San Jago, and Guadalaxara.

Famous Artworks

Some of José García Hidalgo's well-known paintings include:

• Marie Louise of Orleans (painted in 1679), which is now in the Museo del Prado museum.
• Saint Augustine (painted in 1663).
• Two Fathers Painting the Virgin (painted between 1670 and 1719). This oil painting is also at the Prado.

Images for kids

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  Marie Louise of Orléans, 1679 painting now in the Museo del Prado

See also

In Spanish: José García Hidalgo para niños