Mankind's Struggle for Lasting Peace (detail) 1953

This detail from Vela Zanetti’s fresco doesn’t have a known date, but its urgency feels immediate. Zanetti’s colours are earthy: reds, browns, creams, and greens, rendered with bold brushstrokes. It’s about the process, about laying down colour quickly and intuitively. Look at the woman's hand, raised as if to ward off a blow. The paint is thickest here, creating a sense of both protection and vulnerability. The layering of paint suggests a history of struggle and resilience. The colour around the hand has a warmth which contrasts with the cooler tones and shadows of the mother's face, highlighting the trauma, but also the strength, in her expression. Zanetti's style reminds me a bit of José Clemente Orozco, another muralist who wasn't afraid to tackle big themes with raw emotion. Art isn't about easy answers; it's about grappling with the questions, together.