Diógenes Hequet

His first art lessons were in the workshop of his father, the French-born lithographer, José Adolfo Hequet (1826-1888). In 1886, he went to Paris to perfect his etching techniques with Louis Tauzin. Two years later, he enrolled at the municipal art school in the 14th arrondissement, operated by Auguste Truphème.[1] It was there that he first became interested in military art and was influenced by the works of Meissonier, Neuville and Detaille.[2]

Upon returning to Montevideo, he set about producing a large number of historical works. Outstanding among these was a series called "Episodios Nacionales", that depicted all of the principal events in the history of Uruguay, including the "Cry of Asencio" and the "Battle of Las Piedras".[3] In addition to these works, he also created nativist works depicting peasant life and rural landscapes.

In 1893, he made an unsuccessful effort to establish a new school of fine arts. Later he joined with several other Uruguayan artists to create the "Artistic Circle of Uruguay". Juan Manuel Blanes was its first President.[1]

Shortly after, he became a professor at the University of the Republic, where he held the chairs of drawing (in the "Sección Preparatoria") and ornament (in the "Facultad de Matemáticas"); positions he held until his death. He also provided illustrations for several magazines and newspapers.[1]

Media related to Diógenes Hequet at Wikimedia Commons