Diego Rivera was a prominent 20th-century Mexican painter most famous for his large-scale murals, controversial political beliefs, as well as being the husband of Frida Kahlo.
The Palacio Nacional in Mexico City is home to some of Diego Rivera’s most famous murals. These murals depict the history of Mexico from the pre-Columbian era to the time of their creation in the 1930s.
The most famous mural is the massive “Epopeya del Pueblo Mexicano” or “Mexico Through the Ages.” Divided into three main sections, it depicts Mexican historical eras.
The left section shows the pre-Hispanic era and features scenes from many of Mexico’s great Mesoamerican capitals, including Tlatelolco and its grand market.
Another striking scene depicting pre-Hispanic life is set in the city of El Tajin in the modern state of Veracruz.
The center section shows the colonial era and highlights many of the excesses of the European settlers.
The section on the mural’s right depicts the post-colonial era and focuses on figures central to Mexico’s War of Independence and Revolution.
In 1922, Rivera became a member of the Mexican Communist Party and even served on its Central Committee. As a result, figures like those of Marx and Lenin are familiar in his artwork, as are themes like strikes and the formation of workers’ unions.
Rivera’s Communist ideology is a significant aspect of his life and artistic legacy. Still, it also caused friction and even the destruction of his work, as with the famous mural he painted in Rockefeller Center.
There is also no denying that, like many Communists of his era, Rivera was an anti-Semite, which is an aspect of his legacy that lovers of his art wrestle with to this day.
Entrance to Palacio Nacional to see the murals is free, but you must first make an appointment at the ticketing center directly across the street. Tours are available in both English and Spanish.
