Rivera, Diego (1886-1957)

Mexican artist Diego Rivera, shown working on a large mural in 1945. His murals often depicted social themes.

Mexican painter. He was one of the most important muralists of the 20th century. An exponent of social realism, he received many public commissions for murals depicting the Mexican revolution, his vivid style influenced by Mexican folk art. A vast cycle on historical themes (National Palace, Mexico City) was begun in 1929.

Born in Guanajuato, he studied art in Spain, France, and Mexico. In the 1930s he visited the USA and with Ben Shahn produced murals for the Rockefeller Center, New York (later overpainted because he included a portrait of Lenin). Another series is in the Detroit Institute of Arts.

He was married several times, once to the painter Frida Kahlo.