Arturo Pacheco Altamirano (24 April 1905, Chillán, Chile – 30 December 1978, Santiago, Chile) was a Chilean painter and diplomat, known during his lifetime for his nautical paintings. Pacheco served as the Chilean cultural attaché for France and the UK.
Early life and education Pacheco was born on 24 April 1905 in Chillán. Pacheco was educated at . In 1924, Pacheco exhibited a series of pen drawings at an exhibition commemorating the school's centennial.
Initially studying architecture at the University of Chile, Pacheco dropped out following his father's death. Pacheco never received formal arts training.
Career In Santiago, Pacheco had a home and studio on the in the district of Las Condes. Pacheco was known for his nautical themed paintings, focusing primarily on seascapes. The Southern port-city of Puerto Montt was one of Pacheco's main sources of inspiration.
In 1952, Pacheco was appointed the cultural attaché at the Chilean Embassy in Paris. The following year Pacheco became an honorary member of the International Federation of Arts, Sciences and Letters of the United Nations. Pacheco was later appointed the cultural attaché at the London Embassy in 1956.
In 1972, Pacheco garnered international recognition following a solo show at the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo in Madrid. Towards the end of his career Pacheco developed an abstract style.
In 1982, the Museo del Alba Arturo Pacheco Altamirano was established on the Camino El Alba.
Personal life Pacheco was married to Victoria Ahumada de Pacheco. Pacheco was a personal friend of Salvador Allende. Politically, Pacheco was an anti-communist.
On 30 December 1978 Pacheco died at a hospital in Santiago, aged 73.
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