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Primary sourcePainting1825

Portrait of Simón Bolívar

José Gil de Castro · 1825

A full-length 1825 portrait of Bolívar painted from life in Lima, considered the most faithful likeness of him and praised by Bolívar himself.

Painted from life and endorsed by Bolívar himself as an accurate likeness, sent to his own sister.

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Full-length painting of a man in a dark military dress uniform with gold embroidered laurel-leaf trim, gold epaulettes, and a red and gold sash. He wears white trousers and black knee-high boots, and holds a gold-hilted sword. He stands on a pink and grey checkered floor against a dark background.
José Gil de Castro, Portrait of Simón Bolívar, 1825. Palacio Federal Legislativo, Caracas.

About this source

What it is

This full-length painting of Simón Bolívar was made in 1825 by José Gil de Castro in Lima, and is now held at the Palacio Federal Legislativo in Caracas.

Why it matters

Painted from life at the height of Bolívar's power, it is considered the most faithful likeness of him that survives. Bolívar himself praised its accuracy and sent a version to his sister in Caracas, with an inscription noting it was made 'with the greatest exactness and likeness.'

Look closer

  • Why would Bolívar want to send a carefully verified portrait to his family?
  • What do his uniform, sash, and sword tell you about his role and status?
  • How does the setting and pose shape the impression of authority?

This painting is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Simón Bolívar on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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