Mexican History Through Art

Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo

“Window in Mexican Identity” Born in the Revolution

Muralists and Mexican HistoryDiego Rivera, David Siqueros and Jose Orozco

Before the Revolution (1876-1910)

Mexican Revolution (1910-1920)

Siqueros, Mexican Revolution

Indigenous Past (before 1521)

The Conquest (1521)

National Museum of Art Palace of Fine Arts

“We are taught from childhood to accept defeat with dignity…like Cuauhtémoc. We admire fortitude in the face of adversity more than the most brilliant triumph.” -Octavio Paz

Colonial History (1521-1821)

“Conversion of the Indians”

“The Earth you walk on pilgrim is sacred…on this mountain springs two streams, symbols of the valiant Aztec race and the Spanish Missionaries, that submissively were united at the feet of MARY, mother and forger of the Mexican patria.”

On Aug. 13, 1521, heroically defended by Cuauhtémoc, Tlatelolco fell to the power of Hernán Cortes.

It was not a triumph, nor a defeat. It was the painful birth of the Mestizo people that is the Mexico of today.

Plaza de las Tres Culturas(Square of the Three Cultures)

Independence (1810-1821)

Siqueros, Mexican Independence

Miguel Hidalgo ~ George Washington

Orozco, Mexican Independence

The Reform (1857-1861)

Benito Juarez ~ Abraham Lincoln

The Reform

Mexican-American War (1846-1848)

French Intervention (1861-1867)

Present and Future