“The Comet Marking the Centennial of Independence” is a caricature artwork by Jose Guadalupe Posada, created in 1910 and associated with the Modernismo art movement. The artwork depicts a celestial event used as a metaphoric and satirical comment on the centennial celebration of Mexico’s independence.
The artwork features an otherworldly scene where a comet, anthropomorphized with a human face, streaks across a star-studded sky. The comet appears to be on a collision course with the earth below, represented by a bustling town and its panicked inhabitants. The faces of the figures on the ground are exaggerated and expressive, showcasing Posada’s skill in caricature. In the background, an oversized, anthropomorphic moon also gazes down, adding to the surreal and whimsical quality of the piece. The use of stark contrast between the dark sky and the illuminated comet and moon enhances the drama and movement within the scene, capturing the viewer’s attention through its dynamic and humorous depiction of a cosmic spectacle.
