La Vuelta del Malon by Angel Della Valle

Angel Della Valle, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, La Vuelta del Malon;

La Vuelta del Malon – Angel Della Valle.

Angel Della Valle painted the famous La Vuelta del Malon in 1892. Translated into English it means: Return of the Raiders. It is a very large panoramic painting and it immediately captures your imagination. No wonder it is one of the main attractions at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Buenos Aires. This painting is also one of my favorites. When I have an opportunity to visit the museum, I often stand there and admire it.

Angel Della Valle, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, La Vuelta del Malon;
One of my favourite paintings.

Return of the Raiders.

This is one Angel Della Valle´s most famous paintings and very important in the Argentine history. I have mentioned earlier that it is a very large panoramic painting. You need at least 20 minutes to absorb all the details. In the scene you see a group of Indians riding on horses.

They have obviously plundered a settlement because you can see suitcases, a cross and other items. Maybe it was a Christian settlement or village. One of the Indians have a bare breasted woman on his horse. Her skin is very pale and in stark contrast to that of the rider. She carries a small cross over her bosom symbolizing her Christianity.

I have to point out, that if you don’t know anything about the history of Argentina, then this painting might not mean a lot to you. That is quite understandable. Sadly this part of the history of Argentina is often overlooked. Argentine General Julio A. Roca, led a campaign called “Campaign of the Desert“. Many Indians were slaughtered during this time in the Pampas. In fact, many estancias around Buenos Aires, were built to aid in the slaughtering process.

La vuelta del Malon was clearly propaganda to justify the campaign of General Julio A. Roca.

Conclusion.

La Vuelta del Malon is a powerful painting with a lot of detail. The painting was acquired by the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in 1909.

I have been fortunate to have done quite a bit of travelling. By heart I am an adventurer and I love exploring new places, cultures and food. Travelling can become stressful and expensive. Over the years I have learnt to travel as cost effective as possible, simply by travelling more clever. Nelmitravel.com is a Adventure and Budget Travel site where I review Airlines, Accommodation, Transport, Restaurants and give helpful travel information.

32 Comments

  1. The power and the struggle – the defining moments. I love this Nelieta and the story behind is definitely worth a read. Almost There – This Moment

  2. Hi SJ, this painting is one of my favourites and have made a great impression on me! I stood in front of it for a very long time, just admiring it. It speaks of struggle but sadly not of victory.

  3. Hi Jessica, you have worded it so nicely! This painting is amazing. For some reason it speaks to me 🙂

  4. Hi Jorie, I agree with you. I can understand that a flash can damage the paintings but most of the museums that I have been to was light and airy. I am not sure what the reasoning behind this rule is but it sure does spoil my fun!

  5. Hi Paul, glad you have enjoyed this photo! No problem I enjoyed going back in time to get it for you 🙂

  6. Hi Jim, this is a very famous painting in the museum. They have a special section for Argentinian painters. Glad you liked it.

  7. Hi Jim, this is a very famous painting in the museum. They have a special section for Argentinian painters. Glad you liked it.

  8. Hi Jessica, you have worded it so nicely! This painting is amazing. For some reason it speaks to me 🙂

  9. Hi SJ, this painting is one of my favourites and have made a great impression on me! I stood in front of it for a very long time, just admiring it. It speaks of struggle but sadly not of victory.

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