The Day of the Dead 1944

Diego Rivera made this painting of The Day of the Dead with oil on canvas, though we aren't sure exactly when. The surface is built up with a mix of brushstrokes and textures, and it feels like the making was a really important part of the work. The first thing I notice is the candle flames, they pop right out at you from the painting's dark interior, but there’s also something that is strangely still about them. These are painted with such small dabs of colour and with such control that they become quite static, even though the subject suggests something energetic and moving. The rest of the painting follows this process: Rivera builds up the image using small marks, which create a beautiful overall sense of tonality and texture. The overall effect is one of intense intimacy, of a scene observed with care. It reminds me of Seurat, who employed a similar technique to create a sense of stillness and quietude. Ultimately, Rivera's painting is a testament to the power of art to capture a moment in time and preserve it for eternity, whilst also capturing the transience of life itself.