Tito Salas

Tito Salas (1887-1974), one of Venezuela’s most prominent painters, specializing in the country’s historical and cultural themes, is an emblematic name in our series of illustrated books. We have prepared this edition after using images of Salas’ works for the covers of our books, considering them representative of the collective imaginary of the New World and the epic of the wars of independence.
Born in Caracas, Salas began his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Caracas. His talent took him to Paris, where he studied at the Académie Julian under the tutelage of prominent artists such as Jean Paul Laurens and Lucien Simon.
Salas distinguished himself in the European art scene, obtaining recognitions such as the First Honorable Mention at the official Salon of French artists and a gold medal at the Universal Exhibition in Brussels. During his travels to Spain and Italy, he created a series of works inspired by local scenes and customs.
But it was his return to Venezuela and his dedication to illustrating the life and exploits of Simón Bolívar that cemented him as a central figure in Venezuelan art history. His famous “Bolivarian Triptych” is a monumental representation of three crucial moments in Bolívar’s life. In addition, his work on murals in the Casa Natal del Libertador and the National Pantheon reaffirmed his connection to Venezuela’s historical heritage.
Tito Salas was also a keen observer of Venezuelan life and traditions, reflected in his works for the parish church and his inner circle. His life in the colonial house “El Toboso” in Petare, next to the Guaire River, allowed him to connect deeply with the local culture.
The work “Los Causahabientes” (1971), located in the Presidential Residence La Casona, is another example of his ability to capture significant historical moments. Although the description of the work is cut off in the original text, it is evident that Salas continued to contribute to the Venezuelan art scene until shortly before his death.
Tito Salas was a key figure in Venezuelan painting, whose work not only gained international recognition but also left a lasting impression on his native country. His depictions of Simón Bolívar’s life, as well as his focus on Venezuelan history and culture, make him an emblematic figure in Venezuelan art.