The artwork titled “Panel 16. Hispano America – The Epic of American Civilization” was created by José Clemente Orozco between 1932 and 1934. This piece belongs to the art movement known as Muralism, and it is categorized under the genres of history painting and symbolic painting. It is part of the series “The Epic of American Civilization (Dartmouth College Cycle)” which was completed during the same years.
The artwork is a dynamic composition that vividly captures the tumultuous history and intricate symbolism of Hispano America. It features a central figure dressed in traditional revolutionary attire, equipped with bandoliers and a sombrero, exuding a stance of defiance and resolve. Surrounding the central figure are various characters, including armed soldiers and a distressed elderly woman, evoking the themes of conflict, suffering, and revolution. The backdrop comprises industrial elements and structures, hinting at the intersection of modernity and tradition. The color palette is dominated by dark and intense hues, emphasizing the dramatic and somber mood of the scene. The mural as a whole underscores the complex narrative of American civilization through a powerful visual language.
