Cándido López

Who was Cándido López?

Cándido López was an Argentine painter and soldier. Born in Buenos Aires, he is considered one of Argentina's most important artists. He is most famous for his detailed paintings and drawings of battles of the Paraguayan War, in which he also fought, losing his right arm. As a result, he learned to paint with his left hand.

He was already a prestigious artist by age seventeen, and had been taught by the exiled Italian Risorgimento artist Baldassare Verazzi. His paintings of battles reflect his love of detail and showy colors that depict the war in miniature. Many of his works are found in the National Fine Arts Museum in Buenos Aires. He is buried in La Recoleta Cemetery, also in Buenos Aires.

Detail from the Battle of Tuyuti

Disembarking of the allied troops

Representation of the Brazilian Army at Curuzú during the War of the Triple Alliance.