Death is symbolized here through the ringing of a bell, shown in the large sketch of the crowned calavera assumed to be the grim reaper. By portraying him holding an hourglass and ringing the bell over the personal obituaries, it shows that he watches over for when their time runs out. Included here is a variety of “skulls” denoting different working class professions from the pawnbroker (empeñero) to the bread baker (pandero).
José Guadalupe Posada (Mexican, 1852-1913)
La Tronante Calavera de las Campanas Modernas (The Sounding Skull of Modern Bells), 1905
Broadside (recto), photo-relief and letterpress on paper
Miami University Art Museum Purchase
2014.55.24a