The artwork titled “Panel 10. Totem Poles – The Epic of American Civilization” was created by José Clemente Orozco between the years 1932 and 1934. It belongs to the art movement known as Muralism and falls under the genres of history painting and symbolic painting. This particular piece is part of “The Epic of American Civilization (Dartmouth College Cycle)” series, which was also completed from 1932 to 1934.
In the artwork, Orozco depicts an array of totem poles that are stacked vertically, each with distinct and vibrant colors of red, blue, and yellow. The totem poles are richly detailed, featuring a variety of stylized humanoid and animal figures interwoven with abstract forms, delivering an intense visual impact. The figures are rendered with expressive lines and bold hues, conveying a sense of dynamic energy and cultural significance. The background exhibits a muted tone that contrasts with the vivid imagery of the totems, highlighting their symbolic nature and historical importance.
