The thundering skeleton of the modern bells
Medium
Zincograph and letterpress on orange paper
Dimensions
Sheet: 15 13/16 × 11 13/16 in. (40.2 × 30 cm)
Classification
Prints
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1946
Accession Number
46.46.282
Tags
About this artwork
The thundering skeleton of the modern bells is a zincograph and letterpress print by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada, created in 1905 and published by Antonio Vanegas Arroyo. The work exemplifies the calavera tradition of satirical broadside prints that became synonymous with Mexican popular culture and Day of the Dead celebrations. The print depicts a dancing skeleton surrounded by text, calling out the misdeeds of various tradespeople and professionals in Mexico City. The verses relate t...
Art Historical Context
In the heart of Mexico City's bustling Zócalo stands the Metropolitan Cathedral, and in 1905, its tower gained new "modern bells" and a clock that chimed with thunderous authority. José Guadalupe Posada captured this moment in his satirical zincograph and letterpress print, *The Thundering Skeleton of the Modern Bells*, published by Antonio Vanegas Arroyo. A dancing skeleton dominates the vibrant orange paper, boldly outlined in Posada's signature expressive linework, as it scolds tradespeople and professionals for their misdeeds—demanding they mend their ways through witty verses. This calave...
About the Artist
José Guadalupe Posada · 1852–1913
José Guadalupe Posada (1852-1913) was a Mexican printmaker and engraver who revolutionized popular art and created some of the most iconic images in Mexican culture. Working primarily with publisher Antonio Vanegas Arroyo, he produced over 20,000 images during his career—inexpensive broadsheets sold for a penny on colored paper that made his art accessible to even the poorest workers. He transform...