Broadsheet about the authors of Mexico's national anthem, portrait of Don Jaime Nuvo at center

Art Historical Context

At the center of this 1903sheet by José Guadalupe Posada, Mexico's pioneering printmaker, stands a striking portrait of Don Jaime Nunó, the composer of the Mexican national anthem Surrounding the image is text honoring the anthem's creators—Nunó for the music and poet Francisco González Bocanegra for the lyrics—crafted amid the patriotic fervor following Mexico's independence struggles. Produced as an affordable, single-sheet publication, it reflects the era's custom of disseminating news, biographies, and cultural tributes through popular prints. Posada, renowned for his bold, satirical style in zincography and relief printing, employed type-metal engraving and letterpress here on humble tan paper. This technique allowed for sharp lines, intricate details, and mass reproduction, making art accessible to everyday Mexicans. Though best known for his whimsical calaveras (skeletons) mocking the elite, this work showcases his versatility in portraiture and civic commemoration. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Prints collection, the broadsheet (11 5/8 × 7 7/8 in.) captures turn-of-the-century Mexican national pride, blending journalism, artistry, and history in Posada's signature folkloric voice—a testament to his enduring influence on Latin American graphic arts.

About the Artist

José Guadalupe Posada · 1852–1913

José Guadalupe Posada (1852-1913) was a Mexican printmaker and engraver who revolutionized popular art and created some of the most iconic images in Mexican culture. Working primarily with publisher Antonio Vanegas Arroyo, he produced over 20,000 images during his career—inexpensive broadsheets sold for a penny on colored paper that made his art accessible to even the poorest workers. He transform...