The artwork, titled “Sugar Plantation, Tealtenango, Morelos and Indian Slaves in the Gold Mines,” is a creation of the artist Diego Rivera, known for his contributions to the Muralism art movement. This genre painting is a part of Rivera’s series “The History of Cuernavaca and Morelos.”
The artwork presents a vivid depiction of colonial exploitation on a sugar plantation in Tealtenango, Morelos. The composition foregrounds the labor of Indian slaves who are shown toiling arduously to harvest and transport hefty bundles of sugar cane. Dominating the scene is a figure on horseback, likely representing a Spanish colonizer, enforcing the labor with a whip in hand, signifying oppression and subjugation. In the background, the architecture and additional laborers extend the scene, emphasizing the relentless work and the systemic nature of exploitation. Below the main panel, a linear drawing illustrates slaves in the gold mines, creating a stark contrast and enhancing the narrative of suffering and exploitation that threads through Rivera’s historical commentary. The meticulous detail and vibrant color palette exemplify Rivera’s mastery and his commitment to representing social injustices through his art.