Andres Lopez

ANDRÉS LÓPEZ (Mexico, 1763-1811).
"Trinity".
Oil on canvas.
It presents restorations on the pictorial surface.
Measurements: 51 x 40 cm; 61 x 49 cm (frame).
In this work we see a representation of the Trinity based on a balanced, rational and symmetrical composition, which affects the identification of the three divine forms. Father, Son and Holy Spirit seem to be represented in the same way, as a young bearded man dressed in a white robe. However, each of them is slightly different from each other, conveying to the viewer the idea of Christianity that God is one and triune. The scene that develops in a golden break of Glory, is completed with the presence of cherubim heads that bring dynamism to the scene. A very similar piece in terms of composition is in the Museum of Sacred Art of Lagos de Moreno, Mexico, attributed to the Mexican painter Andrés López (1763-1811).
The second half of the 18th century in New Spain was marked by the economic boom, so the aristocrats and religious orders had enough resources to build new buildings, or to renovate the existing ones. Thus, the demand for religious art increased, as well as for portrait and caste painting. In this period of abundant demand, José Páez, one of the most outstanding exponents of the Novo-Hispanic school of the 18th century, developed his work. His style is classicist, with a predominance of drawing, a marked and expressive line that endows the figures with sculptural corporeity. However, he does not neglect the coloring, softly toned and very studied, contained and balanced, as we see in this set of canvases. Also noteworthy is the wise use of lighting, which subtly models the figures, giving them volume and presence in space, without resorting to complex perspectival constructions.