The artwork titled “Zapata” was created by the artist Diego Rivera between 1930 and 1931. This piece is part of the “The History of Cuernavaca and Morelos” series and is considered a portrait that falls under the Naïve Art (Primitivism) art movement. The dimensions of the artwork are 214 x 89 cm.
The painting portrays a full-length figure of a man standing in a niche or alcove-like structure. He is dressed in a traditional Mexican outfit, with a large brimmed sombrero hat and a brightly colored serape draped over one shoulder and crossing his torso. The serape is striped with multiple colors including yellow, red, white, and green. He carries a rifle in one hand, symbolizing his readiness to fight, and a sword hangs on his left hip, signifying his martial capability. The man’s mustachioed face is serious and determined, indicative of his revolutionary status. The background is sparse, emphasizing the figure and his attire. The use of bold colors and simple, strong lines is characteristic of Rivera’s style and conveys the strength and national pride associated with the depicted figure.
