Hermenegildo Bustos

The work of Hermenegildo Bustos, Mexican painter born in Purísima del Rincón, Guanajuato, stands as one of the most unique and appreciated voices of Mexican art of the nineteenth century. In this edition, we invite readers to an aesthetic and cultural journey through the penetrating gaze of Bustos, who, without following an academic method, managed to capture the human essence with an unparalleled psychological force.
This selection includes his portraits, characteristic for their accuracy in detail and for communicating emotions with a remarkable psychological impact, his still lifes and his religious works. In addition, the images presented here offer an opportunity to examine his skill in pigment preparation and his great richness in detail.
Hermenegildo Bustos was a multifaceted artist. From his self-taught beginnings, to his work in various trades such as masonry, tinsmithing, carpentry and tailoring, he showed an insatiable restlessness to learn and grow. Although his main interest lay in painting, he also immersed himself in astronomy and architecture. These lesser-known facets are explored in the work, providing a comprehensive view of a humble man, proud of his roots, and passionate about his art.
A prominent section in the book is devoted to his family and personal portraits, such as the portraits of Benito Juárez, now lost, and that of the Aranda family. Each image is accompanied by a detailed description, both of the technique and the historical and personal context, which enriches the reader’s experience and allows a deep understanding of his work.
In addition, the book addresses Bustos’ influence and legacy in the history of Mexican art, how his work was rediscovered, and how his unique style left an indelible memory in the memory of his people.
This edition, illustrated, pays a well-deserved tribute to Hermenegildo Bustos, whose work continues to be a source of inspiration and a reflection of Mexican culture. His ability to capture humanity in his portraits and his technical prowess, with an unusual modernity, make this book a must-have work for art lovers and those interested in Mexico’s rich cultural history.
This book is an open door to the life and work of an artist who, despite not having had formal studies, managed to leave an unmistakable mark on the art world. Hermenegildo Bustos described himself as an “Indian from this town of Purísima del Rincón.”