Calavera Collection

Broadsheet relating to the calavera (skeleton) Jiricuana, a corrida (ballad) in t... ca. 1895-1910. Creator: Anon
Broadsheet relating to the calavera (skeleton) Jiricuana, a corrida (ballad) in the bottom section, ca. 1895-1910

The Horrible Calavera of the Flooding of Guanajuato, 1900/10. Creators: Manuel Manilla, José Guadalupe Posada
The Horrible Calavera of the Flooding of Guanajuato, 1900/10

Calavera Tapatia, n.d. Creators: Manuel Manilla, José Guadalupe Posada
Calavera Tapatia, n.d

La Calavera de D. Juan Tenorio (The Calavera of D. Juan Tenorio), n.d. Creator: Manuel Manilla
La Calavera de D. Juan Tenorio (The Calavera of D. Juan Tenorio), n.d

The Infernal Calavera, n.d. Creator: Unknown
The Infernal Calavera, n.d

Flood of Calaveras!, n.d. Creator: Manuel Manilla
Flood of Calaveras!, n.d

Noisy Assembly of Calavera Dandies and Old Drunks and Laborers and Garbanzo-Sellers, n.d. Creator: Manuel Manilla
Noisy Assembly of Calavera Dandies and Old Drunks and Laborers and Garbanzo-Sellers, n.d

La Calavera de D. Juan Tenorio (The Calavera of D. Juan Tenorio), n.d. Creator: Manuel Manilla
La Calavera de D. Juan Tenorio (The Calavera of D. Juan Tenorio), n.d

Calavera Tapatia, n.d. Creator: Manuel Manilla
Calavera Tapatia, n.d

Colorful Mexican skullls (Calaca) on sale in a souvenir shop of the Campeche historical cask, Yucatan, Mexico. The Calaca is commonly used for decoration during the Mexican Day of the Dead festival

Posada, Calavera of the Female Dandy, Mexico
Calavera of the Female Dandy, Mexico. circa 1910s

Calavera de la Adelita, Mexico -- La Adelita is a famous Mexican folk song of the revolutionary period (1910-1920), about a female soldier and supporter of the revolutionary leader Francisco Madero

Calavera Mexico 1900s Death Skull Bones Mexican
calavera, mexico, 1900s, death, skull, bones, mexican, face, skulls, teeth, morbid, macabre, head, dead, hat, dark, humour, spear, armour, don, horse, horses, horseback, flying, skeleton, skeletons

Mexico 1860s Mexican Comic Humour Death Macabre
mexico, 1860s, mexican, comic, humour, death, macabre, morbid, calavera, skeletons, skeleton, skull, skulls, satire, satirical, sword, uniform, soldier, soldiers, military, battle, war, intervention

Calavera of Don Juan Tenorio -- a version of the legend of Don Juan. The stone statue on the right refers to the statue which comes to life and drags Don Juan to hell. Date: circa 1900s

Calavera of the Purring Cat, Mexico. Date: circa 1900s

Mexico 1900s 1890s Mexican Comic Humour Death
mexico, 1900s, 1890s, mexican, comic, humour, death, macabre, morbid, calavera, skeletons, skeleton, skull, skulls, satire, satirical, artists, artisans, artist, artisan, play, playing, music

Calavera of the Newspapers, Mexico -- skeletons on bicycles. Date: circa 1900s

Calavera of the Dandy, Mexico
Calavera (skull or death's head) of the Dandy, Mexico. circa 1910s

POSADA, Jos頇uadalupe (1852-1913). La calavera del editor popular Antonio Vanegas Arroyo (The calavera of popular editor Antonio Vanegas Arroyo)

Zapatista caricature, Mexico
Caricature of a Zapatista with a skull face - a supporter of Emiliano Zapata, leading figure in the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920). circa 1911

Broadsheet, bullfighting, calavera, arrived, full speed, screaming, much energy
Broadsheet relating to the bullfighting calavera who has arrived at full speed, screaming with much energy, Jose Guadalupe Posada (Mexican, 1851-1913), 1908

Josa Guadalupe Posada, Calavera Maderista, Mexican, 1851 - 1913, relief etching
Josa© Guadalupe Posada, Calavera Maderista, Mexican, 1851 - 1913, relief etching

The bullfighting calavera has arrived at full speed, screaming with much verve: bullfighters watch out. Broadside shows skull decorated and small skulls and skeletons

POSADA: CALAVERA revolucionaria (Revolutionary calavera ). Zinc engraving, 1910-13, by Jos
POSADA: CALAVERA revolucionaria (Revolutionary " calavera" ). Zinc engraving, 1910-13, by Jos

POSADA: DON QUIJOTE. Calavera of Don Quijote. Type metal engraving by Jos

POSADA: CALAVERA ZAPATISTA. Zinc engraving, 1910-12, attributed to Jos

POSADA: CALAVERA HUERTISTA. A representation of General Victoriano Huerta. Zinc engraving, c1914, formerly attributed to Jos

POSADA: SKELETONS, 1911. Disorderly Skeletons. Zinc engraving, 1911, by Jos

POSADA: CALAVERA ELECTRICA. Gran Calavera Electrica. A cemetery full of victims of the recently introduced electric trolley. Zinc engraving, 1907, by Jos

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"Calavera: A Glimpse into Mexico's Macabre Humor and Artistic Legacy" In the vibrant tapestry of Mexican culture, one cannot overlook the captivating presence of calaveras. These whimsical yet haunting representations of death have become iconic symbols deeply rooted in Mexican folklore and artistry. Dating back to the 19th century, calaveras gained prominence through the works of José Guadalupe Posada, a renowned Mexican illustrator. Posada's Calavera de la Adelita captured the essence of female dandyism during that era, while his Calavera of Don Juan Tenorio portrayed death as an ever-present companion. During the early 1900s, these skeletal figures adorned newspapers across Mexico, reflecting a satirical commentary on society. The Calavera of the Newspapers humorously depicted how even news articles couldn't escape death's grip. Meanwhile, Posada's Calavera of the Dandy showcased a macabre twist on fashion trends prevalent at that time. The influence and popularity of calaveras continued to grow throughout history. In Mexico's revolutionary period in the late 1800s and early 1900s, they became powerful symbols for social critique. Zapatista caricatures incorporated calaveras to convey political messages with biting satire. Beyond their artistic significance, calaveras hold cultural importance during Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations. Mexicans honor their deceased loved ones by creating intricately designed sugar skulls or clay figurines resembling skeletons – paying homage to those who have passed away while embracing life itself. Today, these mesmerizing depictions continue to captivate audiences worldwide with their intricate details and profound symbolism. From Posada's masterpieces like Calavera Mexico 1900s Death Skull Bones Mexican to his enchanting portrayal in La Catrina – a representation often associated with Dia de los Muertos – calaveras remain an enduring testament to Mexico's rich artistic heritage.