Andean Village Scene near Cusco
Painting on paper • Miguel Chacón Ventura (Peruvian, active mid-20th century)
Style & Movement
Peruvian Indigenismo/Costumbrismo; a regional style blending modernist simplified forms with traditional subject matter.
Medium & Technique
Watercolor and gouache on thick watercolor paper; techniques include wet-on-dry for structural details and wet-on-wet for sky and mountain atmospheric effects, with visible pen or fine-brush calligraphic detailing for the signature.
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1950-1970)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches; Landscape format
Subject Description
A picturesque Peruvian village landscape featuring traditional adobe dwellings with red-tiled roofs and a small church or chapel. The foreground contains figures in traditional dress alongside llamas, emphasizing local life. The background shows jagged Andean mountain peaks under a pale sky, framed by slender trees using stylized, expressive brushwork.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Fair; there are visible signs of aging including slight yellowing of the paper and possible water spotting/foxing in the upper sky area.
Estimated Market Value
$200 - $450 USD
Auction Estimate
$150 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired in Peru (Cusco) as indicated by the inscription; signature "Miguel Ch. / Cusco Peru" suggests it was produced for the traveler or local art market.
Art Historical Significance
Chacón Ventura is a recognized mid-century Peruvian watercolorist known for capturing the light and architecture of the Cusco region. His work contributes to the visual record of mid-century Andean tourism and the regional art movement focused on indigenous heritage.
Notable Features
Distinctive calligraphic signature and location mark ('Cusco Peru') in the lower right corner; characteristic minimalist rendering of Andean flora and fauna.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing (brown spots) in the sky region, possible light fading due to UV exposure, and minor paper undulation. The lower-left area shows some discoloration that may be related to moisture ingress through the frame.
Conservation Recommendations
Acid-free matting and mounting; use of UV-filtering museum glass to prevent further fading of pigments; climate-controlled environment to mitigate further foxing or mold growth.
Collector Notes
Miguel Chacon Ventura