Juan Emilio Hernández Giró
Period: Early Republic
1882 - 1953

Portrait of General Pedro Vázquez e Hidalgo
Retrato del General Pedro Vázquez e Hidalgo ca.1910's
oil on canvas
26 1/2 x 22 inches SOLD

Juan Emilio Hernández Giro was born in Santiago de Cuba on May 28, 1882, and was deceased in November 7, 1953. A disciple of Joaquín Tejada, he also studied in Spain, France, England, Belgium, Holland, and the United States. In 1924, he was named a Gentleman of the Legion of Honor in France. He also served as President of the Circle of Fine Arts in Havana. Hernández Giro was honored with a Gold Medal at the Exposition of Seville in 1930. A notable orator and writer, he published the title El arte nacional, Historia gráfica de Cuba (Our National Arts: A History of the Graphic Arts in Cuba). Among his works, Reunión en La Mejorana figures prominently. At one time, this piece was included in the holdings of the Presidencial Palace in Havana. He cultivated portraits, landscapes, and great historical compositions. Important works include: La fundación de Santiago de Cuba (The Founding of Santiago de Cuba), La muerte de Agramonte (The Death of General Agramonte), Los emigrantes (The Emigrants), and Incendio de Bayamo (The Burning of Bayamo).




Reference:
Lerner, Bernardo, ed. Enciclopedia Del Arte en América. 1st ed. Argentina: Bibliografica Omeba, 1968.