Gaspar de la Huerta

Who was Gaspar de la Huerta?

Gaspar de la Huerta was a Spanish artist born at Campillo de Altobuey in Cuenca. At an early age, seeking instruction in Valencia, he fell into the hands of Jesualda Sanchez, the bustling widow of Pedro Infant, a third-rate painter, who continued on her own account her husband's school for the manufacture of religious pictures. La Huerta, nevertheless, attained some skill as a draughtsman and colourist, and married the widow's well-dowered daughter. Working for moderate prices he found abundant employment in the neighbouring churches and convents. For the Franciscans he painted the Jubilee of the Porciuncula, and for the Dominicans the picture which long served as a veil to the wondrous image of Our Lady of the Forsaken. He died at Valencia in 1714. The Museum of Valencia possesses a pleasing picture of Christ and the Virgin enthroned, the latter with the bright complexion peculiar to Valencian beauty.