Our Commitment

At josemanuelbetancourt.com our mission extends beyond the realm of art commerce. The proceeds from every purchase made on our site will be dedicated to the artistic restoration of José Manuel Betancourt's masterpieces. This initiative is our pledge to preserve his esteemed contribution to Latin American art. Through your support, we are not just celebrating Betancourt's legacy; we're actively participating in the conservation of cultural heritage, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and be inspired by his work. Together, let's restore and safeguard the brilliance of Latin American artistry.

Dossier

Sales Dossier: 

Print Reproductions of José Manuel Betancourt's Artworks

Artist: José Manuel Betancourt Álvarez (1894-1969)


Biography:

Born in La Victoria, Aragua State, Venezuela, José Manuel Betancourt Álvarez was a distinguished Venezuelan plastic artist. His training at the Academy of Fine Arts and the School of Fine Arts in Caracas placed him among legendary figures of Venezuelan art such as Armando Reverón and Tito Salas. Throughout his career, he masterfully captured the Venezuelan landscape, popular customs, and the architecture of Caracas, transitioning from detailed realism to a freer and more expressive style.


Historical Context:

Betancourt's life spanned a period of profound change in Venezuela. The nation's politics, economy, and culture were in flux, with the traditional caudillismo giving way to a new era marked by the oil boom and the quest for modernization. In the midst of these transformations, his art became a reflection of the country's evolving identity, capturing the spirit of its places and people with authenticity and sensitivity.


Artistic Legacy:

Through his brushstrokes, Betancourt Álvarez not only depicted the physical beauty of Venezuela but also chronicled the essence of its urban and rural life. His works stand as visual narratives that articulate the character and soul of a nation at the crossroads of tradition and modernity. Today, his art continues to resonate, offering a timeless window into the heart of Venezuelan culture.



Artworks:

Three untitled pieces, created in 1961, are offered as high-quality reproductions. These works showcase Betancourt Álvarez's masterful use of watercolor on cardboard, each measuring 9 x 11 inches. The original pieces, known for their abstract qualities and rich textures, reflect the architectural and spatial depths that characterize his later work.


Work Details:

  • Medium: Watercolor on paper
  • Dimensions: 9 x 11 inches for each piece.
  • Creation: Caracas, Venezuela.
  • Condition: Excellent, with two of the artworks featuring the artist's original signatures.

Production of the prints:

  • Editions: Open edition, allowing art enthusiasts the opportunity to own a piece of Venezuelan heritage.
  • Signature: Prints will not be signed, as the artist is deceased. However, reproductions of the two signed original works will retain the visual of the artist's signature.
  • Titles: The artworks will remain untitled as a respectful nod to the artist's legacy and to maintain the authenticity of the original works' presentation.

Cultural Significance:

Betancourt Álvarez's art is not just a reflection of his time; it is a dialogue with history, an exploration of identity, and a celebration of the aesthetic spirit. These reproductions invite collectors to engage with the rich tapestry of Venezuelan art history through the works of one of its most storied practitioners.

AWARDS

  • 1908: Awarded the Diploma of Honor at the Drawing School of La Victoria, granted by the Executive of Aragua State, Venezuela.
  • 1931: Received an Honorable Mention at the II Venezuelan Humorists Salon, Ateneo de Caracas, Venezuela.
  • 1984: Acknowledged at the "Aragüeños Landscape Artists" exhibition at the Municipal Art Gallery of Maracay, Venezuela.

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

- 1916 Fine Arts Circle. Teatro Calcaño, Caracas, Venezuela.
- 1931 2nd Venezuelan Humorists Salon. Museum of Fine Arts. Caracas, Venezuela.
- 1942 Venezuelan Landscape. Museum of Fine Arts. Caracas, Venezuela.
- 1944 5th Official Annual Venezuelan Art Salon. Museum of Fine Arts, Caracas, Venezuela.
- 1947 8th Official Annual Venezuelan Art Salon. Museum of Fine Arts, Caracas, Venezuela. 5th Salon of Independent Artists. Museum of Fine Arts. Caracas, Venezuela.
- 1951
- 1954 8th Salon of Independent Artists. Museum of Fine Arts. Caracas, Venezuela.
- 1957 18th Official Annual Venezuelan Art Salon. Museum of Fine Arts, Caracas, Venezuela.
- 1957 11th Salon of Independent Artists. Museum of Fine Arts. Caracas, Venezuela.
- 1959 13th Salon of Independent Plastic Artists. Museum of Fine Arts. Caracas, Venezuela. October 4 to 18.
- 1964 Painting of the Fine Arts Circle. House of the Writer. Caracas, Venezuela. June 21 to July 12.

SOLO EXHIBITIONS
- 1966 "El Rincón de París" Gallery. Caracas, Venezuela. July 24.
- 1968 "Li" Gallery. Tribute. Caracas, Venezuela. September 8 to 22.
- 1969 "Li" Gallery. "El Garaje" Salon. Caracas, Venezuela. July 6 to 13.
- 1970 Michelena Art Gallery. Tribute Exhibition. Caracas, Venezuela. September 20 to October 4.
- 1974 "La Rinconada" Art Gallery. Caracas, Venezuela. February 1 to 18.
- 1987 Alternate Space. Colonial Art Museum of the City of Mérida. Tribute Retrospective. Mérida, Venezuela. February 13 to April 12.

STUDIES COMPLETED
- 1911 "Nude Drawing" course at the National School of Fine Arts. Conservatory Section. Caracas, Venezuela.
- 1912 "Drawing and Painting" course at the National School of Fine Arts. Caracas, Venezuela.
- 1913 "Painting and Art History" course at the Academy of Plastic Arts. Caracas, Venezuela.
- 1913 "Drawing and Perspective" course at the Academy of Plastic Arts. Caracas, Venezuela.
- 1936 "Extraordinary Course in Cultural and Artistic Extension". School of Plastic Arts of Caracas, Venezuela.
- 1955-1957 Attended the Free Expression Workshops at the Circle of Fine Arts of Madrid, Spain.