The artwork, entitled “Calavera from Oaxaca,” is the creation of artist Jose Guadalupe Posada. It belongs to the art movement known as Modernismo and fits within the genre of caricature.
In the artwork, a skeletal figure takes the central focus, seated in an animated pose while grasping a sword in one hand. The central skeleton dons an ornate wide-brimmed hat and a detailed suit, indicating a sense of festivity. Surrounding this central figure, a multitude of similarly depicted skeletal forms, each engaged in various forms of revelry, create a dynamic and bustling scene. The entire composition is intricately rendered, with each skeleton characterized by exaggerated, cartoonish expressions and elaborate headwear, enhancing the caricature quality of the piece. This rich visual tapestry conjures a humorous yet poignant commentary on life and death, characteristic of Posada’s distinctive artistic style.
