The artwork entitled “Excommunication and Execution of Father Hidalgo,” crafted by David Alfaro Siqueiros in 1953, is a poignant expressionist genre painting executed with pyroxylin medium. Siqueiros, a prominent figure in the Expressionism art movement, depicts the dramatic and tragic events surrounding the historical figure Father Miguel Hidalgo.
The artwork captures a significant moment, with two central figures dominating the composition. To the left, a clergyman is seen solemnly holding a large cross, symbolizing the act of excommunication. The cross features an inscribed plaque with historical details, underlining the gravity of the scene. To the right stands Father Hidalgo, depicted with a resolute yet pained expression, his right hand resting on his chest, and his left hand holding a small book, perhaps symbolizing his unwavering faith and intellectual commitment. The backdrop is a turbulent, darkly abstract environment that conveys a sense of turmoil and foreboding, enhancing the emotional weight of the depicted events.
