The artwork titled “The Banana Leaf Loader” was created by Diego Rivera in 1953. Executed in watercolor, this piece falls under the art movement of Regionalism and is part of the series “The History of Mexico.” With dimensions measuring 50 x 40 cm, the portrait is currently held in a private collection.
In the artwork, a figure is depicted as a laborer bent under the substantial weight of a large basket filled with banana leaves. The man is dressed in traditional work attire, including a sombrero which casts a shadow over his face. His body posture conveys the strain and physical exertion required to carry the load. The palette features earthy tones with varying shades of greens in the banana leaves, contrasted against the muted colors of the laborer’s attire and the background. The artist’s signature is visible in the bottom right corner, adding authenticity and a personal touch to the piece. This representation highlights the daily hardships and resilience of the common worker, a recurring theme in Rivera’s oeuvre.
