Daniel Hernández Morillo

Daniel Hernández Morillo (1856–1932), Peruvian, Daniel Hernández Morillo, a distinguished Peruvian painter, was born on August 1, 1856, in Salcabamba, Huancavelica. His journey into the arts began at the tender age of 14 in Lima, under the tutelage of Leonardo Barbieri. Hernández's early talent was evident in his 1872 work, 'La Muerte de Sócrates,' which earned him government recognition and a European scholarship. Despite the promise of full support, his initial foray into Europe in 1874 was met with partial fulfillment of this commitment.
In Europe, Hernández's artistic path was profoundly influenced by his encounters with notable figures such as Ignacio Merino in Paris, who advised him to move to Rome. There, he spent a decade refining his craft under the guidance of Spanish painter Mariano Fortuny. Hernández's return to Paris in 1883 marked a period of significant professional growth; he became president of the Sociedad de Pintores Españoles and associated with luminaries like Francisco Pradilla and José Villegas Cordero. His participation in the Salón Anual de la Sociedad de Artistas Franceses showcased his academic style, earning him critical acclaim. Among his celebrated works, 'La Perezosa' and 'Amor Cruel' garnered prestigious awards, including a Second Medal at the 1899 Paris Salon and a Gold Medal at the 1900 Paris Universal Exposition, respectively. Hernández's contributions to art were further honored with the Legion of Honor in 1901. His legacy as the first director of the Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes in Peru underscores his pivotal role in shaping the country's artistic landscape until his death on October 23, 1932, in Lima.