The artwork titled “Coyotes (conmen) and waitress calavera” by Jose Guadalupe Posada is associated with the Modernismo art movement and falls within the caricature genre. This piece exemplifies Posada’s unique style and social commentary, rendered in a distinct illustrative form.
The artwork features skeletal figures, known as calaveras, depicted in various human activities. The primary focus is on a skeletal figure dressed in formal attire, reminiscent of a conman, holding a skull and surrounded by similarly skeletal figures, some of whom appear to be waitresses. The background is densely filled with skeletal figures engaging in what seems like a bustling scene. The caricature style serves as a satirical commentary, blending humor with a grim portrayal of society, typical of Posada’s work. The intricate details and expressive postures of the calaveras highlight the artist’s mastery in combining social critique with artistic finesse.