Angel Zárraga (1886-1946) was a Mexican oil painter famous for his murals, portraits and nudes. During his lifetime, his art was shown successfully in Mexico and Europe, and today his work continues to be popular among art collectors.
Famous Ties
Zárraga studied at the Mexican School of Fine Arts with the likes of Diego Rivera and Saturnino Herrán. He was also associated socially with the artist Frida Kahlo.
The French Connection
Zárraga lived in France for more than 30 years of his working life, and was influenced by painters such as Cezanne and Giotto. Some of his most memorable works include the murals in the Castle du Vert Coeur, also known as Beauregard Castle, located in Loir-et-Cher, France.
Artistic Experimentation
In addition to his many portraits and representational oil paintings, Zárraga was also known for his foray into Cubism, creating paintings reminiscent of the later works of Pablo Picasso.
Post-War Beautification
Zárraga dedicated a portion of his working life to restoring frescos and murals in European churches damaged in World War I. One of his most notable restorations was the temple of Notre Dame de la Salette at Surennes, Paris.
A Prolific Painter
Zárraga was a particularly prolific painter who exhibited work in many countries in Europe, Mexico, the United States and Canada. His murals decorate the Mexican Legation in Paris, Cité Universitaire of Paris, Club de Banqueros in Mexico City and Monterrey Cathedral. When he died in 1946, the murals planned for the Biblioteca México were left unfinished.
Biography
Angel Zárraga was born on August 16, 1886 in Durango, Mexico. The son of Dr. Fernando Zárraga and wife Guadalupe Argüelles, he begain painting and writing as a young man, joining the Mexican School of Fine Arts around 1902. He married a Russian sportswoman, Jeannette Ivanov, in 1919. He died in 1946 from pneumonia.
