This obituary is interesting in that it uses real names instead of generic titles. However, in typical fashion of Arroyo and Posada, these individuals are not meant to be actual people. Through the somber storytelling of their deaths, it emphasizes the theme that life is cruel and it is inevitable that everyone will die the same. The striking center image on this broadside is a grotesque monster, with the head of a human calavera. It is rumored that this was meant to resemble Victoriano Huerta, the much disliked president who came to power by coup during the Mexican Revolution.
José Guadalupe Posada (Mexican, 1852-1913)
Panteón de Menudencias (Crypt of Trifles), 1919 (reprint of original, ca. 1910)
Broadside, type-metal engraving on paper
Miami University Art Museum Purchase
2014.55.21