The artwork titled “Calavera of Don Quijote” was created by Jose Guadalupe Posada, dated 1943. It is a type metal engraving measuring 23.5 × 35 cm, exemplifying the caricature genre. This piece is aligned with the Modernismo art movement and currently resides at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork features a central depiction of the iconic literary character Don Quijote, represented as a skeleton, or “calavera,” which is a common motif in Posada’s work, often associated with the Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations. This skeletal figure is adorned in classical knight attire, with details that evoke the chivalric romance of the character, including his signature lance and shield. The dynamic composition includes other skeletal figures engaged in various actions, creating a lively scene that carries a satirical and playful tone.
Surrounding the central illustration are blocks of text, which likely narrate the scene or provide commentary consistent with the satirical nature of caricature. The text is in Spanish, and it contributes to the context and understanding of the engraving. The style of Posada’s print bears the hallmarks of early 20th-century graphic art and captures the essence of Don Quijote in a unique and culturally significant way.
