Panel 5. The Coming of Quetzalcoatl - The Epic of American Civilization 1934

"Panel 5. The Coming of Quetzalcoatl" is a mural created by Jose Clemente Orozco as part of "The Epic of American Civilization". Painted during the 1930s and 40s, it is emblematic of a period marked by political upheaval and cultural re-evaluation. Orozco was deeply affected by the Mexican Revolution and its aftermath. This piece presents a symbolic interpretation of Quetzalcoatl's return, in which ancient myths intersect with modern political concerns. The imagery is stark and imposing; the figures, which are rendered in a monumental style, seem to emerge from the canvas, invoking a sense of both reverence and unease. The artist often explored themes of human suffering and social injustice. Here, Quetzalcoatl may symbolize the hope for a new, more equitable society, but the overall tone remains ambiguous. This tension reflects Orozco's own complex relationship with revolutionary ideologies. The mural invites viewers to contemplate the cyclical nature of history, the ever-present struggle between tradition and progress, and the human cost of both.