José María Velasco Gómez (1840 — 1912) was a Mexican artist of the early 19th century whose style was steeped in scientific and humanist traditions; he used Mexican geography as a symbol of national identity through his work.

This painting, “Valle de México desde el cerro de Santa Isabel”(Valley of Mexico from the Hill of Saint Isabel), 1892, oil on canvas, measuring 22½ inches x 30 5/8 inches, is the culmination of the artist’s talent and is an excellent representation of his oeuvre. Velasco displays the benevolent nature but the human figures are only implicitly present as the geographical characteristics of the landscape, the colour and the spirit of the valley were more important for him than the direct human component. It is displayed at The José María Velasco Museum in Toluca City, Mexico. — M.I.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, November 1st, 2015

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