The Valley of Mexico from the Hillside of Santa Isabel (El Valle de México desde el Cerro de Santa Isabel)


The Valley of Mexico from the Hillside of Santa Isabel (El Valle de México desde el Cerro de
Santa Isabel). Jose María Velasco. 1905 C.E. Oil on canvas.


  • This important school fostered Romantic and Neoclassical aesthetics
  • Students emerging from the new school at the Academy began to illustrate local vistas of the Valley of Mexico. 
  • This imagery offered an opportunity to highlight symbols of patriotism valuable to a newly independent society. 
  • After the 1821 war of independence (from Spain), Mexico sought to establish its identity through artistic endeavors. United ancient and contemporary Roman historical subjects. 
  • The development of the practice of national landscape painting was part of the dictator López de Santa Anna’s efforts to re-establish the art academy after decades of neglect following the formation of Mexico as an independent nation. 
  • Artist had an Italian Mentor: Eugenio Landesio. Trainer in landscape/nature painting. 
  • Towards the composition’s background, the spectator can admire the receding waters of Lake Texcoco and the contours of Mexico City. 
  • The Valley of Mexico from the Hillside of Santa Isabel represents an important period in the development of Mexico’s national identity and an important chapter in the history of Mexican art. 
  • Velasco’s landscapes became symbols of the nation.
  • Panoramic image; history of the land. 
  • Mexico city can be seen barely; light and shadow used to lead our eyes through the landscape and to the background.
  • Velasco studies plants and cloud formation: takes clouds/plants/rocks into great detail. 
  • Mother, two children, walking away from the city.
  • Walking back into nature. Dramatic shadow. 
  • Includes basilica of Guadalupe. 
  • Celebration of Mexico’s history and accomplishments; transformation of human civilisation.
  • Two volcanic peaks important to Mexico; painting of its era, 19th century. Interested in scientific observation. Modern Mexico ties itself back into it Aztec roots. 
  • Rocks, foliage, clouds. 
  • Dramatic perspective; small human figures. Mexican countryside. 
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