José Campeche y Jordán was born on December 23, 1751 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. His parents were Tomás Campeche and María Jordán y Marqués. His father was a freed slave born in Puerto Rico and his mother was a native of the Canary Islands. His father, a restorer and painter of religious statues, was an early influence on the young Campeche's interest in the arts.
Campeche learnt a lot from his father. Luis Paret was a Spanish painter who was exiled to Puerto Rico. Between the years of 1775 and 1778, Campeche studied with him and perfected his skill and natural talent. Paret taught Campeche how to control his colors and a variety of techniques. These lessons helped Campeche develop his own style and he became known for his realistic paintings and extreme attention to detail.
He began producing a variety of work that documented history, and depicted many social and political changes in Puerto Rico. He painted religious works and was commissioned to do portraits of well-known figures. Some of his most famous works of art include Saint John the Baptist, Virgin de la Soledad de la Victoria, The Sacred Family, Our Lady of Bethlehem, The Shipwreck of Power, The Bishop of San Francisco de le Cuerda, The Vision of Saint Anthony, and The Virgin of the Rosary. He also painted portraits of Miguel A. de Ustariz, Juan Alejo de Arizmendi and Ramon de Castro.
Campeche died in the city of San Juan on November 7, 1809. He was laid to rest at the San José Church, also located in Old San Juan.
Campeche left behind between four to five hundred paintings, which can be found in galleries around the world, churches, private collections and museums. Some of his work can be viewed in the Dominican Convent located in Old San Juan in the José Campeche room, which is dedicated to his life’s work. Schools, avenues, musical compositions and other art work have been named in his honor.
El niño Juan Pantaleón Avilés de Luna Alvarado
Clouds over a coastal Puerto Rican town
Dama a Caballo
Doña María Catalina de Urrutia
Doña María de los Dolores Gutiérrez del Mazo y Pérez
Imaculada Conceição
La Visión de San Fransisco
Ramon de Castro
Retrato del Governador don Miguel Antonio de Ustáriz
Retrato de un letrado eclesiástico
San Juan Nepomuceno
Self-portrait
The Rescue of Don Ramón Power y Giralt
