Portrait of José de San Martín

This is a portrait of Jose de San Martín. He was an, “Argentine solider, statesman, and national hero who helped lead the revolution against Spain in 1812” (Metford). San Martín was born in 1778 and died in 1850. During his life, he climbed the Spanish military ranks and was made a captain in 1804 (Metford). After 1811, where he was promoted to lieutenant colonel for his part in the Battle of Bailén and Battle of Albuera, he made his way to Buenos Aires where he was tasked with, “organizing a corps of grenadiers against the Spanish royalists” (Metford). He went from being a leader for the Spanish crown to attacking Spanish royalists because Buenos Aires, “had become the principal centre of resistance in South America to the Sevilla junta and its successor, the Cádiz-based Council of Regency” (Metford). San Martín’s biggest contribution as a caudillo was in 1817 when he led his men through the Andes where, “he surprised and defeated the royalists at Casas de Chacabuco and took Santiago” (Metford). For many he is ranked with Hannibal and Napoleon for his strategy and bravery for the Argentinian cause.

This portrait of Jose de San Martín exists as a reminder of the bravery of this Argentinian caudillo who helped Argentina achieve independence from Spain. In this portrait by José Gil de Castro, we can see the power and authority Jose de San Martín exudes as well as his impressive military background adorning his uniform. His past is also a reminder that he was not born of high rank, which is why we don’t see many portraits of him. San Martín was not famous until his role in the Battle of Chacabuco where he was hailed as a national hero. Painted in Chile shortly after the Battle of Chacabuco, the artist wanted to depict bravery, elegance, and power through San Martín in order to honor both the hero as well as show the power and influence that caudillos had in giving Argentina power against the metropole.

Source:

Metford, John Callan James, and David Bushnell. “José De San Martín.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., February 21, 2020. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jose-de-San-Martin.