José María Velasco Cardón, State of Oaxaca 1887 Oil on canvas 61 × 46 cm Museo Nacional de Arte, INBAL, Mexico City © Reproducción autorizada por el Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes y Literatura, 2024
The National Gallery is set to host José María Velasco: A View of Mexico, the first-ever UK exhibition dedicated to one of Mexico’s most celebrated 19th-century artists. Opening early next year, this exhibition coincides with the 200th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UK and Mexico, offering a unique opportunity to explore the work of José María Velasco (1840–1912) in a new light.
Famed for his breathtaking depictions of the Valley of Mexico, Velasco’s monumental paintings capture the dynamic beauty of the region as it experienced rapid industrialisation. The exhibition, showcasing around 30 paintings and drawings, includes works from the Museo Nacional de Arte in Mexico City and private collections, some of which have never been seen outside of Mexico before. It’s a rare chance to experience Velasco’s awe-inspiring art in the UK, where there is currently no public collection of his work.
Velasco’s art reflects a fascinating blend of beauty and scientific inquiry. A painter, botanist, naturalist, and geologist, Velasco approached his subjects with an almost scientific precision, exploring Mexico’s flora, geology, and industrial landscapes. His works invite viewers to consider the natural world through a lens of both artistry and intellectual curiosity.
The exhibition is divided into six thematic sections, each highlighting a different aspect of Velasco’s wide-ranging interests.
Landscape and Industry explores the transformation of Mexico’s landscape, with works like The Valley of Mexico from the Molino del Rey (1895) and The Textile Mill of La Carolina, Puebla (1887) shedding light on the impact of industrialisation.
José María Velasco Rocks on the Hill of Atzacoalco 1874 Oil on canvas 31.5 × 44 cm Museo Nacional de Arte, INBAL, Mexico City © Reproducción autorizada por el Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes y Literatura, 2024
In the Flora section, Velasco’s botanical expertise takes centre stage, with exquisite drawings and paintings such as Cardón, State of Oaxaca (1887), showcasing his deep love for Mexico’s plant life.
The Valley of Mexico features Velasco’s most famous painting, The Valley of Mexico from the Hill of Santa Isabel (1877), an iconic piece that demonstrates his mastery of landscape and perspective.
Ruins and Archaeology looks at Velasco’s engagement with Mexico’s ancient past, exploring works like The Pyramids of the Sun and Moon (1878), which reflect his fascination with the ancient cultures of the region.
In Geological Time, Velasco’s scientific background is reflected in his depictions of the land’s geological processes, with pieces like Rocks, 1894 showcasing his detailed observations of the terrain.
The exhibition closes with Velasco’s late works, including his final painting, Study (1912), offering a poignant reflection on his artistic journey.
What makes this exhibition even more compelling is the opportunity to draw connections between Velasco’s work and paintings in the National Gallery’s collection, particularly The Execution of Maximilian (1867–8) by Édouard Manet. This pairing invites visitors to reflect on how 19th-century artists from outside Europe, like Velasco, engaged with themes of colonialism, industrialisation, and modernity—issues that remain relevant today.
José María Velasco Vista de la fábrica de hilados La Carolina (Puebla), 1887 No.:9925/a-b Oil on canvas, 76.6 × 107.8 cm National Gallery of Prague © National Gallery of Prague / photo by Andrea Rývová
Velasco’s art is not just a celebration of natural beauty but also a profound meditation on the relationship between humanity and the environment, a theme explored by many late 19th-century artists facing rapid ecological and social changes. This exhibition offers a timely opportunity to reconsider the intersection of art, science, and environmental concerns, making it a must-see event for art lovers and anyone interested in the evolving discourse on nature and industry.
The exhibition is curated by Dexter Dalwood and Daniel Sobrino Ralston, with a catalogue that serves as the first comprehensive study of Velasco outside Mexico, featuring critical essays from scholars in the UK, Mexico, and the United States.
Don’t miss the chance to experience José María Velasco: A View of Mexico at the National Gallery. This landmark exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the life and legacy of one of Mexico’s most visionary artists and promises to enhance our understanding of landscape painting in the 19th century.
For more information visit HERE
Jose Maria Velasco: A View of Mexico
29 March – 17 August 2025
