Artwork
Assessination of Maza

Assessination of Maza is an oil painting by Prilidiano Pueyrredón. It dates from 1856 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Fine Arts, Argentina.
About this work
Overview
Assassination of Maza, an oil painting created by Prilidiano Pueyrredón around 1856, is a pivotal work in Argentine art. Held in the National Museum of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires, it showcases the artist's ability to capture dramatic intensity through his use of light and shadow.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a moment of violent assassination. A seated figure, clad in formal attire, slumps in a state of shock or death amidst scattered papers, while a group of men in the background appear to be involved in the act, some possibly wielding weapons. The scene conveys a sense of sudden, brutal violence.
Technique & Style
Pueyrredón employed chiaroscuro to dramatic effect, leveraging strong contrasts of light and dark to heighten the emotional intensity of the scene. This technique, combined with his costumbrist approach (focusing on everyday life and customs), adds depth and draws the viewer’s focus to the central, tragic figure.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1856 by Prilidiano Pueyrredón, a multifaceted Argentine artist (painter, architect, and engineer), *Assassination of Maza* is part of the National Museum of Fine Arts collection in Buenos Aires, reflecting the institution’s commitment to preserving key works of Argentine art.
Context
As one of Argentina’s first prominent painters, Pueyrredón’s work within the costumbrist tradition provided insights into the social and political climate of his time. *Assassination of Maza*, with its depiction of violence, may allude to the turbulent political landscape of mid-19th century Argentina.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of *Assassination of Maza* are not extensively documented here, as a work by Pueyrredón, it contributes to the broader recognition of Argentine art’s development and the impact of costumbrismo in Latin American painting traditions.
Artist & collection
Artist
Prilidiano Pueyrredón (January 24, 1823 – November 3, 1870) was an Argentine painter, architect and engineer. One of the country's first prominent painters, he was known for his costumbrist sensibility and preference for everyday themes.
Museum
National Museum of Fine Arts, Argentina
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