Chicle Gatherer 1943

"Chicle Gatherer" is a 1943 woodcut by Mexican artist Leopoldo Méndez (1902-1969). The artwork portrays the face of a worker, framed by an abstract background that alludes to the natural world. The dark tones and strong lines characteristic of woodcut printing lend a sense of realism and gravitas to the subject, highlighting the labor and hardship of the individual. Méndez was known for his social realism and focus on working-class life in Mexico, making this piece a powerful representation of the human cost of labor.