The “Woman Grinding Maize” is a 1924 artwork by Diego Rivera, a prominent figure in the Art Deco movement. It measures 106.7 x 121.9 cm and is categorized as a portrait. Presently, the piece is housed at the Museo Nacional de Arte (MUNAL) in Mexico City, Mexico.
The painting depicts a woman engaged in the traditional task of grinding maize. She is situated outdoors, with a simple background that suggests an atmosphere of humble domestic work. The woman is bent over a metate, a traditional Mesoamerican grinding stone, actively using a mano, or handstone, to crush the maize. Her posture and musculature are realistically rendered, emphasizing the physical labor involved in her task.
Wearing a simple white garment with a red band securing her hair, the focus is on the woman’s action and the cultural significance of maize in Mexican society. Rivera’s style is characterized by its solid forms, smooth lines, and a subdued color palette, which enhances the painting’s sense of solemnity and respect for the manual work displayed.
The artist uses shadow and light to showcase the texture of the woman’s clothing and the solidity of her form against the grinding stone. The artwork serves not only as a depiction of a woman at work but also as a symbol of Mexican identity and culture, reflecting the artist’s interest in portraying the lives and customs of his people.
