Puerto Rico
José Campeche y Jordán
José Campeche was the most important painter of portraits and religious imagery in late eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century Puerto Rico. He learned his skills from his father, a slave who purchased his freedom by carving altarpieces.Felipe de la Espada
Felipe de la Espada lived with his family in the old town of San Germán, in the southwestern region of Puerto Rico. The creation of santos, colorful wooden images of saints and biblical stories used for prayer, was an important business there.
Master of “La Merced”
Nothing is known about the sculptor or group of sculptors known as Master of “La Merced.” The santos (carved wooden images of saints) in the Vidal collection attributed to this mysterious sculptor or school share a graceful form, dramatic gestures and poses, and compassionate facial expressions.<
Ramon Atiles-Perez
Little is known about the artist Ramon Atiles-Perez, except that he was best known for painting portraits of Puerto Rican government officials.