The artwork titled “Panel 2. Snake and Spears – The Epic of American Civilization” was created by José Clemente Orozco between 1932 and 1934. This mural is part of the “The Epic of American Civilization (Dartmouth College Cycle)” series and falls under the Muralism art movement. It is characterized as both a history painting and a symbolic painting.
The artwork vividly portrays a striking red snake coiled defensively against a backdrop of dynamically streaming blue spears. The snake’s imposing form is emphasized through bold, contrasting colors, symbolizing a sense of tension or conflict. The spears, rendered in varying shades of blue, appear to be aimed towards the snake, creating a sense of motion and impending confrontation. The yellow and green hues in the background add to the dramatic tension of the scene, enhancing the symbolic narrative of struggle and resistance inherent in the piece. This work is a powerful representation of Orozco’s vision, reflecting profound historical and symbolic undertones.
