“Portrait of the Bourgeoisie,” created by artist David Alfaro Siqueiros in 1939, is an allegorical painting executed in pyroxylin. This artwork is representative of the Surrealism art movement. It vividly illustrates complex social and political themes through a meticulous and dynamic composition.
The artwork captures an intense and multifaceted scene, bursting with vibrant imagery that critiques the industrial bourgeoise. It intricately combines fantastical elements with realistic depictions, seamlessly interweaving symbols of power, oppression, and revolution. Central to the painting is a massive, metallic structure entwined with gold coins, suggesting the fusion of industrial might and capitalist wealth. Surrounding it are surreal representations of various figures—soldiers, workers, and other characters—that seem to emanate from an industrial inferno. The use of pyroxylin as a medium enhances the painting’s detailed textures and luminous effects, reinforcing its dramatic impact. The overall composition is both chaotic and coherent, reflecting the tensions and conflicts inherent in the socio-political climate of the time.
