LEONCIO PRADO

• LEONCIO PRADO (2008) series –  1/25
• Serigraphs – 19.7 x 27.6 inches (70 x 50 cm.)
• Numbered – original artist signature – watermark – certificate
• Hand printing over cotton paper.

Leoncio Prado was one of the most popular figures of the Pacific War (Peru and Chile). He was born in Huánuco, on August 24, 1853. He was the son of General Mariano Ignacio Prado (President of Peru in 1865-1868 and 1876-1879). As a child, he felt a deep love for his country, and as a teenager, his military vocation led him to defend his country and participate in various wars against Spain, Cuba, and the Philippines.

He defended his country as a member of the Peruvian Navy and then the Army. When war broke out with Chile, Leoncio was 26 years old. He was captured and released by the Chileans with the promise of not continuing in the fight. A short time later, he joined the resistance along General Andrés Avelino Cáceres, defeating the Chileans in the Andes, in the “Campaign of La Breña”. In 1883, he was severely wounded in the “Battle of Huamachuco.” When he was captured and questioned, he replied: “I have fought many times defending Perú, and I simply bear the consequences. You, in my place, with the enemy in the house, would do the same. If I heal and they release me, and we have to fight again, I will do it because that is my duty as a soldier and as a Peruvian.” Finally, he asked for a pencil and wrote a farewell letter to his father, letting him know that he had been captured and would be killed for the crime of having defended his homeland.

“In my school days, the name Leoncio Prado was immediately related to the military school of the same name, which panicked many. Some friends from my neighborhood and my school even went there. The writer Mario Vargas Llosa, in his well-known book ‘La Ciudad y Los Perros’, talks about his experience at the school and the myths and practices, such as the well-known initiation into a possible military career.

While many may think of this school when hearing his name, we cannot forget that Leoncio Prado is one of the most outstanding war heroes in the history of Peru, why? Did you know that Leoncio Prado is also a war hero in Cuba and the Philippines? He had such an outstanding military career that at the age of 12, he was already a corporal, and at 13, he left school to fight against the Spaniards in Abtao and ‘The Combat of May 2^nd’. He gave his life in the war with Chile, he was first captured and released, promising not to wear the uniform again against that country. Not short after, he joined the orders of General Andrés Avelino Cáceres as part of the resistance, but he was wounded by a grenade in the leg and again captured by the Chilean army. Having failed to commit to not fighting against the enemy, they ordered for his execution. Leoncio’s answer was certain and clear; he was sure that dying fighting for his country was a true honor. His personality and kindness for people gained him supporters on the opposing side. It is said that the firing squad was carried out through the tears of his executioners and that ‘Pradito’ clanged his spoon three times, giving the order of execution himself”. —Cherman