A witch carrying a child on her broom

Art Historical Context

This zincograph by José Guadalupe Posada captures a striking scene of a witch soaring through the night sky with a child perched on her broom. Created between 1880 and 1910, the small print—measuring just over two inches across—depicts a moment drawn from folklore, blending the eerie and the everyday in a compact, expressive composition. Posada, a prolific Mexican artist, used such images to explore themes of superstition, morality, and daily life that resonated with broad audiences. Posada worked primarily in zincography, a printmaking technique that allowed him to produce affordable, widely distributed broadsheets and illustrations during a time of social and political change in Mexico. His distinctive style combined bold lines with satirical or fantastical elements, often commenting on contemporary issues through traditional symbols like witches and calaveras. This particular work reflects the popular fascination with supernatural tales that circulated in newspapers and pamphlets of the era. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection of prints, the piece exemplifies Posada’s role in shaping Mexican visual culture. Its modest size and direct imagery highlight how art reached everyday viewers, preserving stories and warnings that continue to intrigue modern audiences.

About the Artist

José Sanchez|José Guadalupe Posada (Mexican|Mexican) · 1895 |1851 –1910 |1913

Mexican, active ca. 1900–1910|Mexican, 1851–1913