Mexican Muralism
1920–1960Rivera's encyclopedic narratives, Orozco's anguished fire. Public art as revolutionary education.
True fresco, encaustic, Pyroxylin (industrial lacquer). Monumental scale on public buildings.
Diego Rivera
1886–1957Mexican
Master muralist. Encyclopedic narratives of Mexican history — from Pre-Columbian to industrial revolution.
True fresco technique learned in Italy. Earth-toned palette with vivid accents. Monumental scale — Detroit Institute, Palacio Nacional.
Further reading: Diego Rivera, 1886-1957: A Revolutionary Spirit in Modern Art (Taschen Basic Art) — Andrea KettenmannPigments: Ochre · Sienna · Ultramarine · Cobalt blue · Lime white · Cadmium yellow · Zinc white · Umber · Lamp black
José Clemente Orozco
1883–1949Mexican
The darkest muralist. Prometheus on fire, soldiers in agony — suffering without redemption.
Near-monochrome palette in most powerful works. Fire and flesh against darkness. More expressionist than Rivera.
Further reading: José Clemente Orozco: An Autobiography — José Clemente Orozco (trad. Robert C. Stephenson)Pigments: Cadmium red · Cadmium yellow · Lime white · Lamp black · Ochre · Sienna · Umber · Bone black
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