“Death of the Capitalist,” created by Diego Rivera in 1928, is a fresco that belongs to the Muralism art movement and fits within the genre painting category. The artwork is located in the Secretariat of Public Education Main Headquarters in Mexico City, Mexico.
The artwork portrays a scene dense with symbolism and social commentary. Central to the piece is a group of workers, represented with strong, definitive strokes, gathered around a deceased figure of a capitalist, indicated by his attire and position. The workers’ expressions and body language suggest solidarity and a sense of justice as they stand united. Surrounding the scene is a backdrop that hints at industrial elements, emphasizing the context of labor and economic struggle. The subdued colors and detailed craftsmanship typical of Rivera’s style are apparent, with each character rendering a deeply expressive and emblematic component to the narrative of class conflict. The fresco encapsulates the themes of revolution, societal change, and the demise of capitalist oppression.
