Jose Guadalupe Posada (1852 - 1913) was Mexico’s most famous
graphic artist. He illustrated books, novels, and the famous broadsides
(news sheets) that were distributed throughout the country. Many of his
drawings could be considered to be political cartoons. Known especially
for his engravings of the “calaveras” or skeletons that cavort, eat and
drink, ride bicycles and horses, are revolutionaries, street vendors,
and everyday people.
His art is traditional for All Souls’ Day, the Day of the Dead
or “Dia de los Muertos”. The Day of the Dead actually consists of two
days: November 1st for the remembrance of deceased infants and children
and November 2nd for deceased adults.
