Cándido López: a tale of art and resilience
Discover the remarkable story of Cándido López, a soldier-turned-artist who defied adversity with resilience and creativity on the battlefield.
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Self Portrait, by Cándido López
Oil on canvas
1856
In 1840, during a turbulent period of time, in the heart of Buenos Aires, young Cándido López began a journey that would shape his life and leave a mark on South American art history. Joining the Argentine army at a young age, he entered the frontlines of tumultuous conflicts, including the Paraguayan War.
Along the battle, López found solace in art. Despite the dangers, he sketched scenes from the battlefield, capturing the raw emotion and harsh realities of war with astonishing clarity. Despite losing an arm in the battle of Curupaytí, López displayed remarkable resilience, training his remaining arm, the left one, to wield the brush with precision.
What truly distinguishes López is his method of capturing war’s essence. Armed with only a sketchbook and indomitable spirit, he sketched most battles in the field, committing every detail to memory. His paintings, 58 in total, stand out for their detail and accuracy, also revealing an eye trained in photography.
López’s innovative approach extended beyond the battlefield. Opting for a horizontal format, uncommon in oil paintings, he sought to depict simultaneous actions with meticulous detail on a single canvas. His goal was to create ninety such paintings, a testament to his unwavering commitment.
Later on, López explored other subjects, including still lifes. Some works were signed under the pseudonym “Zepol,” showcasing straightaway his versatility and creativity. Above all, I particularly like the way he painted landscapes with beautiful sunset skies, trees, rivers, smoke and fire.
Today, López’s legacy stands as an inspiring reminder of art’s power to transcend adversity. His life story serves as a source of hope and inspiration for artists everywhere, reminding us that creativity knows no bounds.
To conclude, if you ever plan to visit Buenos Aires, don’t miss Cándido López’s work at the National Museum of Arts in Recoleta. It’s without doubt one of the most important museums in Latin America. You can find more details here.
