José María Velasco: Bridging Orientalism and Mexican Landscape José María Velasco (1840 – 1912) stands as a pivotal figure in late nineteenth-century Mexican art, embodying the confluence of European artistic trends—particularly Orientalism—with the burgeoning landscape painting movement rooted in Mexican identity. Born in Mexico City, his artistic journey was marked by an unwavering dedication to capturing both exotic vistas and intimate portraits, reflecting the intellectual currents shaping his era. Velasasco’s stylistic evolution began with a formative exposure to academic realism, honi…