The History of Mexico 1935

Diego Rivera's monumental mural "The History of Mexico" (1935) is a powerful and sweeping depiction of Mexico's history, painted on the walls of the Palacio Nacional in Mexico City. The mural's epic scope, vibrant colors, and socialist message cemented Rivera's place as a leading figure in the Mexican Mural Movement. The section shown here portrays the Spanish conquest of Mexico, with the arrival of Hernán Cortés and the subsequent subjugation of the indigenous population. This powerful work is a reminder of Mexico's rich and complex past, and serves as a rallying cry for social justice and national identity.