Llegada de El Libertador al templo de San Francisco 

Arturo Michelena made this oil painting depicting a historical moment. The soft application of the paint, and the visible brushstrokes are typical of the late 19th century academic style. The painting represents a triumphal entrance, but what interests me most is the way Michelena uses the oil paint to depict such a complex scene. Notice how the artist uses quick, confident strokes to define the architecture and the excited crowd. It's as if he is more interested in capturing the energy of the moment rather than a photographic depiction. There is a directness, and a lack of refinement here. The painting's real value resides less in the perfectly rendered details, and more in the way it captures the mood of a historical moment through the gestural application of paint. Ultimately, the focus on process and materials allows us to appreciate the skill and artistry involved in creating this dynamic image.