Diego María de la Concepción Juan Nepomuceno Estanislao de la Rivera y Barrientos Acosta y Rodríguez
- Born:
- December 8, 1886, Guanajuato, Mexico
- Died:
- November 24, 1957, Mexico City, Mexico
- Nationality:
- Mexican
- Profession(s):
- Muralist, Painter
Early Life and Education
- Began drawing at a young age.
- Studied at the Academia de San Carlos in Mexico City.
- Received a scholarship to study in Europe in 1907.
- Travelled extensively in Europe, influenced by Cubism and Post-Impressionism.
Career and Major Achievements
- Returned to Mexico in 1921 and became involved in the Mexican mural movement.
- Commissioned to paint murals in prominent public buildings.
- His murals often depicted Mexican history, culture, and social struggles.
- Developed a distinctive style characterized by bold colors, simplified forms, and narrative content.
- Controversial for his political views and depictions of historical figures.
- One notable point in his detailed biography and timeline involves his work at the Detroit Industry Murals
Notable Works
- Creation (1922-23) - National Preparatory School, Mexico City
- Detroit Industry Murals (1932-33) - Detroit Institute of Arts
- Man at the Crossroads (1934) - Originally commissioned for Rockefeller Center, New York City (destroyed and later recreated at the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City)
- Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park (1946-47) - Hotel del Prado, Mexico City
Legacy and Impact
Diego Rivera is regarded as one of the most important Mexican artists of the 20th century. His murals played a significant role in shaping Mexican national identity and promoting social and political ideals. He helped establish muralism as a major art form, influencing artists around the world.