Arlington Museum of Art will present the iconic prints of Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada, as well as contemporary works inspired by his legacy.

The exhibition, which is on loan from the Posada Art Foundation, will include original broadsheets, pamphlets, printing plates, books, game boards, and engravings designed by the legendary printmaker and engraver. Posada’s works show his influence on generations of artists including Frida Kahlo, who decorated her New York apartment with his images; the Taller Grafica Popular artist co-founder, Leopoldo Mendez; award-winning Chicana artist Ester Hernandez; selected social movement imagery; and even posters from rock and roll’s Grateful Dead.

An artist known particularly for his satirical calaveras or skeletons, José Guadalupe Posada (1852–1913) was employed as a printmaker in Mexico City by visionary publisher Antonio Vanegas Arroyo. Vanegas Arroyo and Posada satirized many poignant issues of the day, informing and critiquing the transitioning culture of the times. It is believed by some that Posada created over 20,000 images in his lifetime.

Three years after the start of the Mexican Revolution, Posada died in poverty and obscurity. In the 1920s, however, his work was rediscovered and today, art historians recognize his significant legacy. To many, Posada is the founding father of the satirical cartoon genre in Mexico. Posada’s calaveras have also become closely associated with the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and have been ingrained in commercial and popular culture.

The exhibition will remain on display through January 7, 2024.