Dama a Caballo 1785

"Dama a Caballo" (Lady on Horseback), painted by José Campeche in 1785, depicts a woman in a refined riding habit astride a black steed, adorned with white flowers. The artist, a prominent figure in 18th-century Puerto Rican art, captures the grace and elegance of the subject against a soft, pastoral backdrop. The painting exemplifies Campeche's mastery of portraiture and his ability to convey the status and refinement of the sitter. The work’s rich palette and delicate brushstrokes contribute to its captivating realism, making it a significant example of late-colonial portraiture.