Skip to main content
  1. Art
  2. The Collection

Calavera Zapatista

José Guadalupe Posada

Artwork Details

Calavera Zapatista
circa 1910-1913
José Guadalupe Posada
relief engraving on metal
8 7/8 in x 8 3/8 in (22.54 cm x 21.27 cm);22 1/8 in x 18 1/8 in (56.2 cm x 46.04 cm);18 5/8 in x 13 3/4 in (47.31 cm x 34.92 cm)
Museum Purchase
1958/1.123

Tags

Description

Subject Matter:

The piece depicts Emiliano Zapata, a leading figure in the Mexican Revolution, as a skeleton. Posada did many similar calaveras prints that feature skeletons in costumes which comment on class conditions and the political and social situation of Mexico before and around the time of the Mexican Revolution.

Physical Description:

A skeleton, with a rifle strapped to his back and a flag of the skull and crossbones in his hand, rides a horse over 13 skulls. The skeleton is wearing a sombrero and he has a handlebar mustache. 

Usage Rights:

If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit https://umma.umich.edu/request-image/ for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.