La fundación de Santiago

Lira employs a muted palette of browns, grays and blues, reinforced by chiaroscuro that models the forms and creates atmospheric depth. The rendering of clothing and terrain reflects a realistic approach typical of 19th‑century academic history painting.

Beyond its creation, Lira was instrumental in organizing exhibitions that led to the founding of Chile’s National Museum of Fine Arts. *La fundación de Santiago* entered the museum’s holdings shortly after its completion and has remained there, forming part of the institution’s early acquisitions.

The painting belongs to a period when Chilean artists sought to define a national identity through visual depictions of foundational events. Lira’s work aligns with contemporary efforts to historicize the nation’s past while also showcasing his skill as a portraitist and organizer within the local art community.