Posada refers to European examples of demonic figures inspiring evil in this broadside about a family murder story. While one evil creature dances with glee behind the lifeless body of the young woman’s stepmother, another encourages the protagonist to attack her father with the bloody knife. Stories of this nature commonly caught the attention of readers through sensationalized writing. As is the case with some of the seedier news and current events published by Arroyo, true events are embellished and provide commentary about the degradation of morals and ethics in society.
José Guadalupe Posada (Mexican, 1852-1913)
Espantosisima y Alarmante Noticia! (Most Frightening and Alarming News!), ca. 1892
Broadside (recto), type-metal engraving on paper
Miami University Art Museum Purchase
2014.55.8a