Miguel Cabrera

1695 - 1768

Miguel Cabrera (1695–1768) is the artist behind Virgin of Guadalupe, one of 29 works you can explore here.

Quick facts

  • Copyright status: Public domain
  • Top 3 works:
    • Saint Gertrude
    • Don Juan Xavier Joachín Gutiérrez Altamirano Velasco
    • From Spaniard and Morisca, Albino Girl
  • Top-ranked work: Saint Gertrude
  • Nationality: Mexico
  • Typical colors: phthalo green
  • Creative periods: mature period
  • Museums on this site:
    • Los Angeles County Museum of Art
    • Brooklyn Museum
    • Dallas Museum of Art
    • Museum of Fine Arts
    • National Museum of Mexican Art
  • Movements: baroque

Which Miguel Cabrera work is the most famous?

Most people know Miguel Cabrera for Virgin of Guadalupe. Other favourites: Portrait of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz.

A Life of Color and Devotion

Miguel Cabrera lived during a period when the Mexican Baroque shaped the visual identity of a colonial society. Born in 1695, he became a figure of great importance to both the religious orders and the wealthy elite of his time. His hands were busy with more than just paint; he was also a designer who understood how to decorate the spaces where people gathered for prayer and social prestige.

His work reflected the needs of a changing landscape. He moved between the quiet, solemn requirements of the church and the more personal, grander tastes of the colonial upper class. This duality allowed him to become one of the most sought-after artists in his region.

The Reach of His Art

Cabrera's influence was felt through the many commissions he accepted throughout his career. He did not work in isolation but rather as a central part of the artistic fabric of his era. His ability to satisfy different patrons meant that his style touched both sacred and secular environments.

  • He provided works for various religious orders, helping to define their visual presence.
  • He served the colonial elite, bringing a sense of status to their private collections and homes.
  • His role as a designer extended his artistic reach beyond the canvas into the very architecture and ornamentation of the period.

By the time he passed away in 1768, he had left behind a legacy that helped define the Mexican Baroque. His career was built on a steady demand for his specific skill set, making him a cornerstone of the local art scene during the mid-eighteenth century.

Quick quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What artistic style is Miguel Cabrera associated with?
Question 2:
For which groups did Miguel Cabrera work?
Question 3:
In what years did Miguel Cabrera live?
Question 4:
Besides being a painter, what was Miguel Cabrera's role?
Question 5:
Miguel Cabrera was in high demand for his work as a:

Questions & Answers

Where is Miguel Cabrera from?

Mexico

What is the color intensity of Miguel Cabrera's work?

balanced, monochromatic

What style did Miguel Cabrera paint in?

baroque

How many of Miguel Cabrera's paintings are on ArtsDot.com?

29

For which groups did Miguel Cabrera work?

Religious orders and the colonial elite

In what years did Miguel Cabrera live?

1695–1768

What art period did Miguel Cabrera belong to?

Early Modern

Miguel Cabrera was in high demand for his work as a:

Painter and designer

What are other names Miguel Cabrera is known by?

Cabrera, Miguel Mateo Maldonado y Cabrera

What colors are typical in Miguel Cabrera's work?

phthalo green