Major painting by Bartolomé Pérez de la Dehesa identified at Hearst Castle

ARTDAILY
Bartolomé Pérez de la Dehesa (c. 1634 - 1698), The Annunciation, approx. 8 feet high x 5 feet wide. ©Hearst Castle®/CA State Parks.
SAN SIMEON, CA.- A painting of the Annunciation, one of the most prominent works of art (approx. 8 feet high x 5 feet wide) in the Assembly Room at Hearst Castle, has been securely identified as a masterpiece by the Spanish painter Bartolomé Pérez de la Dehesa (c. 1634 - 1698). Primarily known for his floral still-lifes, Pérez was named painter to King Charles II in 1689. Only a few large-scale figural compositions by him exist. “This is a major new discovery for the oeuvre of Pérez,” remarked Mary Levkoff, museum director at Hearst Castle. “Thanks to the keen attention of Carson Cargill and Laurel Rodger, two of our guides responsible for public education, the signature and inscription were noticed in the raking light of late autumn.” [More]