Zapata hecho prisionero en la lucha en favor de los campesinos
Estampas de la Revolución mejicana

Artist name

Ignacio Aguirre

Artist year born

1900

Artist year deceased

1990

Artwork make date

1947-1974

Artwork title translation

Zapata taken prisoner in his struggle for the liberation of the Peasants
Prints of the Mexican Revolution

Artwork material

woodcut
paper

Artwork dimensions

height: 29cm
width: 20cm

Artwork type (categories)

Print

Accession method

Donated by the School of Philosophy and Art History, University of Essex 2001

Accession number

3:3-2001

Label text

Emiliano Zapata is remembered as one of the heroes of the Mexican Revolution. He is often depicted in a large sombrero with a sash of bullets across his chest. Many images depict him as a serious if not stern leader capable of defeating his enemies. Aguirre's woodcut presents a much softer version of the fearless leader. Zapata's eyes are cast down and angled toward what appears to be a simple rock among the crowd. Upon closer inspection, however, this stone resembles hands clasped together and fingers intertwined. Aguirre is most likely referring to the millions of peasants who turned toward leaders such as Zapata hoping for someone to rescue them from their plight under Porfirio Díaz. Zapata's solemn gaze becomes even more unsettling as the question of who is left to fight for the peasants arises. The lack of visible emotion on the faces of the revolutionary's captors indicates that they have little regard or concern for the very people Zapata fought to liberate. They wear uniforms and at least one guard is on horseback. They have lost their connection to the land of Mexico and to the people who toil daily to provide not only food for their families but also food to be sold at markets. The fruits of the peasants' labour could very well be what the soldiers themselves eat.
Collins, Caitlyn

Last updated date

2008