“Chichen Itza Burning,” created by David Alfaro Siqueiros in 1948, is a pyroxylin painting measuring 91 x 71 cm. This artwork is part of the Muralism art movement and falls under the cityscape genre.
The artwork dramatically captures the essence of the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza engulfed in flames. Dominating the composition is a bold, abstract representation of architectural elements and what appears to be a colossal figure. The use of vibrant and intense colors highlights the destructive forces, while the dynamic forms and textures evoke a sense of chaos and upheaval. The style is characteristic of Siqueiros’ approach, utilizing energetic brushstrokes and a rich color palette to convey powerful socio-political messages. The depicted scene strikes the viewer with its intensity and complexity, providing a riveting and thought-provoking visual experience.
