By Diane Miliotes, with a technical note by Rachel Freeman
This striking publication focuses attention on a portion of the Art
Institute's collection that has rarely been seen in recent years, late 19th- and early 20th-century Mexican broadsides. Popular-press publishers and itinerant hawkers sold these
colorful, graphically powerful ephemeral sheets as penny handbills to
lower middle-class and working-class audiences. The museum's holdings
span a wide range of themes and styles. Of the 300 objects in the
collection, more than 275 are by the most celebrated broadside illustrator,
José Guadalupe Posada (1852-1913). His images, which are engraved or
etched, depict sensational crimes and curiosities; news of dramatic and
noteworthy events from natural disasters to military campaigns and
national celebrations; images for religious devotion; political and
clerical spoofs; song sheets introducing the latest popular tunes; corridos,
which narrate the escapades of bandits and heroes; and perhaps the most
familiar genre of all: depictions of Day of the Dead celebrations that
feature the often humorous and/or satirical calaveras, or skeleton figures.
The 40-page catalogue, authored by guest curator Diane Miliotes, is
in English and Spanish. It features 30 illustrations, 27 of which are
in color. In addition to an overview of Posada and the Mexican
broadside by Miliotes, the catalogue contains a technical note by
paper conservator Rachel Freeman.
Exhibition: June 24, 2006–January 21, 2007
The Art Institute of Chicago 2006
9 1/2 x 8 5/8 in.; 40 pages; 33 color illustrations
Softcover $9.95 ISBN 0-300-12137-7
Order online from the Art Institute Museum Shop or call 1-800-905-8537. Related exhibition: José Guadalupe Posada and the Mexican Broadside.
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