Created between 1910 and 1913. This artwork is a zinc relief etching belonging to the Modernism art movement. The exact whereabouts of Posada's original zinc etching matrix (printing plate) are not definitively documented in publicly available records. However, original impressions and authorized early prints of La Calavera Catrina (La Calavera Garbancera) are preserved in several museum collections. The work is most strongly associated with the Museo Jose Guadalupe Posada in Aguascalientes, Mexico, which houses an important collection of Posada's works and is often cited as holding examples of La Catrina.
Jose Guadalupe Posada is one of the spearheads of the Modernism art movement that flourished in the 19th century Mexico. Born in 1852, in the city of Aguascalientes, he became renowned for his etchings, lithographs and illustrations that transformed from mere childlike images into a form of protest and critique of the political events, social inequalities and injustice that existed in Mexico at the time. His works also serve as narratives of folklore and death, something he intensely explored through his practice. The subjects and themes he dealt with in his works cemented his status as a pioneering Modernist Graphic artist and Printmaker. His works became symbols of the Mexican identity and were associated with various ideologies and festivals of the Mexican diaspora, one such popular festival is the vibrant holiday known as Dia de Muertos or the Mexican day of the Dead in which deceased loved ones are honoured by welcoming their souls back for a joyful, temporary visit. This visit is initiated by constructing intricate altars (ofrendas), filled with photos, favourite foods and accessories and Marigold flowers to guide the spirits home. La Calavera Catrina or The Catrina Skull is one of the widely acclaimed and celebrated works produced by him, it is also popularly called "The Dapper Skull". The work is an extremely layered and a highly relevant piece as it functions as a satire critique of the Mexicans who had started to imitate European fashion and customs while rejecting their indigenous culture and heritage due to the exposure to western influences as an effect of globalization. The image depicts a female skeleton wearing an elaborate European style hat adorned with feathers during the 19th century. Posada utilised the skeleton to remind the viewers that death is the ultimate equalizer; that no human carries to death the wealth, status or power he or she possesses, everyone is rendered equal in the face of mortality. Scholars interpreted and termed this as an allegorical macabre egalitarianism. The exploration of this theme also serves as a parallel to the earlier European tradition known as Vanitas paintings, hinting about the deep impact the Spanish renaissance had over the Mexican traditions. Today, Posada is regarded as a national cultural icon in Mexico. His imagery has become inseparable from Mexican identity, especially the visual traditions surrounding the Day of the Dead. His influence extends beyond printmaking into muralism, illustration, political cartooning, and contemporary graphic art.
José Guadalupe Posada’s La Calavera Catrina serves as a critique of new trends adopted by Mexicans that reject their heritage and culture. As westernization took hold and everyone sought to mimic opulent European high society, Posada skillfully uses a grim skeleton in a fancy, feathered hat to show the artificial status that accompanied European trends. The stark, monochromatic black ink highlights a sobering finality, transforming the print into a powerful visual equalizer that reminds all humans, from all areas, that they will ultimately die. Ultimately, the artwork delivers a humbling emotional impact, reminding viewers that wealth and power mean absolutely nothing in the face of mortality.
