Circle of Agustín Arrieta. Mexico, mid-19th century.

Circle of AGUSTÍN ARRIETA (Santa Ana Chiautempan, 1803 - Puebla, 1874). Mexico, mid-19th century.
"Still life with ceramics from Puebla, pan de muerto, cherimoyas and fruits".
Oil on canvas.
Signed "Miguel" in the lower right corner.
Frame with inlay, XIX century.
Measurements: 50 x 60 cm; 78 x 77 x 4 cm (with frame).

Interesting still life ascribed to the circle of Agustín Arrieta, one of the greatest exponents of Mexican costumbrismo of the 19th century and a key figure in the consolidation of a painting of national identity.

Arrieta achieved special recognition for his still lifes -known as alacenas- in which he depicted food and utensils of everyday life in Puebla with remarkable thoroughness.

The present composition reflects this spirit, showing a careful selection of elements with a strong symbolic and cultural charge, such as pan de muerto, fruits and traditional ceramics, in a clear allusion to Mexican gastronomy and traditions.

From the formal point of view, the painting stands out for its warm and earthy palette, the use of hallmarks that accentuate the volume of the objects and a detailed work of textures, characteristic features of Arrieta's artistic environment. Likewise, the influence of the Spanish Baroque tradition, particularly that of masters such as Velázquez and Murillo, can be appreciated, reinterpreted in a local key.

Arrieta's works are currently held in important museum and institutional collections, such as the Museo Amparo (Puebla), the Museo Soumaya and the Museo Kaluz (Mexico City), as well as in important private collections.