The Juan Ismael Art Centre has opened the exhibition ‘Juan de Miranda Painted Him’, commemorating the tricentennial of the birth of the famous Canary Islands artist. This display arrives in Fuerteventura after being showcased at the Lázaro Galdiano Museum in Madrid, the Cabrera Pinto halls in La Laguna, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Tenerife.
Curated by art history professor Margarita Rodríguez González, the exhibition features over seventy pieces spanning the painter’s entire career, from his early works to his later period when he emerged as one of the most sought-after artists in the Archipelago.
According to Horacio Umpiérrez, Culture Deputy Minister of the Canary Islands Government, “it is essential to remember those who have been references throughout our history to appreciate the artistic dimension of a figure like Juan de Miranda.” Umpiérrez also highlighted the crucial role of the researchers and all collaborating entities, as well as the pieces from the high altarpiece of the Church of La Oliva that have been included in the exhibition during its stop in Fuerteventura.
The exhibition is launched under the ‘May 100% Canarias‘ program, an initiative by the Council to promote Canarian identity throughout the month. Rayco León, Culture Councillor, praised the display, describing it as “very special” and highlighting its contribution to the Canarian cultural heritage. León emphasized the Council’s effort to valorize and make this heritage accessible to Fuerteventura residents.
Curator Margarita Rodríguez emphasized the importance of knowing history, especially in valuing one of the greatest exponents of Canarian art in the modern era. The exhibition aims to bring visibility to an innovative and relatively unknown painter who acted as a bridge between the Baroque and Enlightenment periods. “He is a figure who is beginning to be recognised and valued in the Archipelago, gradually reaching a broader audience,” said Rodríguez.
Rodríguez also expressed gratitude for the contributions of administrations, private owners, and cultural groups, and especially the collaboration of the Church of La Oliva, which has provided five pieces from the altarpiece: St. Joseph, St. John the Baptist, The Crucified, Mater Dolorosa, and St. John the Evangelist.
The exhibition will run until 25th August at the Juan Ismael Art Centre and is structured into five thematic chapters: “Civil Portraits,” “Religious Portraits,” “Immaculates,” “The Childhood of Jesus,” and “Public Life of Jesus,” preceded by a preface and a section dedicated to the preservation and restoration of heritage. The majority of Juan de Miranda’s work focused on religious commissions, though he also ventured into portrait painting, albeit to a lesser extent.
The exhibition is organized by the Canary Islands Government, in collaboration with the Gran Canaria Island Council, the Museum of Fine Arts in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the Valencian Government, and Spanish Cultural Action (AC/E), additionally with the Fuerteventura Island Council, with the involvement of the Diocese of Tenerife, the Diocese of the Canaries, and LM Art Collection.
