Artist
Melchor Pérez de Holguín
1660–1732
Melchor Pérez de Holguín was a painter. 1 work is cataloged here, principally at Metropolitan Museum of Art. Melchor Pérez de Holguín was born in Cochabamba.
Overview
Melchor Pérez de Holguín (c. 1660-1732) was a painter and architect, known for the creation of Baroque artworks in Potosí. He was a central figure in the Potosi School tradition. He was active from 1689 to his death in 1732.
Biography
Pérez de Holguín was born in Cochabamba around 1660, in colonial Bolivia. He moved to Potosí by 1678. His painting influences included Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, Francisco de Zurbarán, and Francisco Herrera the Younger. Most of his paintings were done for monastic orders; others were for wealthy landowners in Real Audiencia of Charcas. His earlier paintings were known for their dark tones; later in his career, he used more color. After his lifetime, he became known as the "Brocha de Oro," or Golden Brush. As an architect, he created plans for the church of San Lorenzo de Potosí.
Personal life
He had two sons with Micaela del Castillo. The first, Lorenzo, was born circa 1688. Pérez Holguín and del Castillo married in March 1695 and had another son, Martin, that same year. He also had a son named Pedro, born to Antonia Martinez in 1693.
Works by Melchor Pérez de Holguín
Collections represented
Museum
Artists in a similar vein
Artist
