“Alliance of the Peasant and the Industrial Worker,” created by Diego Rivera in 1924, is a fresco located at Chapingo Autonomous University in Texcoco, Mexico. This artwork, representative of the Muralism movement, is an allegorical painting.
The fresco features a central figure, dressed in a red garment, with arms outstretched, standing against a radiant sunburst background. To the left and right, a grouping of seated individuals – symbolizing various sectors of society – are equally balanced. In the foreground, a peasant and an industrial worker engage in a handshake, symbolizing unity and collaboration. The scene below shows agricultural land and industrial elements, reflecting Rivera’s emphasis on the importance of both communities. An inscription at the top reads, “Aqui se enseña a explotar la tierra, no a los hombres,” translating to “Here we teach to exploit the land, not men,” underscoring the core message of social justice and solidarity. The overall composition is meticulously balanced, with intricate details that reflect Rivera’s mastery in muralism.
