Posada (José Guadalupe) chapbooks prints and broadsides, approximately 1900-1950

Collection context

Summary

Title:
José Guadalupe Posada chapbook prints and broadsides
Dates:
approximately 1900-1950
Creators:
Posada, José Guadalupe, 1852-1913 and Vanegas Arroyo, Antonio, 1852-1917
Abstract:
Chapbook prints and broadsides designed by José Guadalupe Posada Aguilar and published by Antonio Vanegas Arroyo.
Extent:
2 Linear Feet (1 flat box)
Language:
Spanish; Castilian .
Preferred citation:

[Identification of Item], José Guadalupe Posada chapbook prints and broadsides, CEMA 211. Department of Special Research Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library, University of California, Santa Barbara.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of thirty-three chapbook prints and forty-five broadsides, including six large Calaveras-themed broadsides, designed by Mexican political lithographer José Guadalupe Posada Aguilar. Many designs were published by Antonio Vanegas Arroyo, in Mexico from approximately 1900 to 1910.

Biographical / historical:

José Guadalupe Posada Aguilar (1852-1913) was a Mexican political lithographer who used relief printing to produce popular illustrations. Born in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Posada spent his most creative period in Mexico City, from 1888, as a prolific engraver, printmaker, and publisher during the final years of the Porfirio Díaz dictatorship and the beginning of the Mexican Revolution. In 1890, Posada began work for noted printer Antonio Vanegas Arroyo. Posada's works were cheaply produced and widely distributed to both the illiterate and reading public.

His subject matter varied including: advertising art, religious images, illustrations for posters, flyers, brochures and books. He also created images for local printing houses and numerous religious publications. His work has influenced numerous Latin American and Chicanx artists and cartoonists, including Diego Rivera and Leopoldo Mendez, because of its satirical acuteness and social engagement. He used skulls, calaveras, and bones to convey political and cultural critiques. Among his most enduring works is La Calavera Catrina.

Acquisition information:
Library purchase, 2023 and 2025.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Collection processed and arranged by Suad Abdoun, 2023. Finding aid prepared by Suad Abdoun and Zachary Liebhaber, 2023. Additions processed by Kiely Molina, finding aid updated by Rebecca Vasquez, April 2025.
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2025-04-16 11:24:43 -0700 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Property rights to the collection and physical objects belong to the Regents of the University of California acting through the Department of Special Research Collections at the UCSB Library. All applicable literary rights, including copyright to the collection and physical objects, are protected under Chapter 17 of the U.S. Copyright Code and are retained by the creator and the copyright owner, heir(s), or assigns.

All requests to reproduce, quote from, or otherwise reuse collection materials must be submitted in writing to the Department of Special Research Collections at UCSB at special@library.ucsb.edu. Consent is given on behalf of the Regents of the University of California acting through the Department of Special Research Collections at UCSB as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission from the copyright owner. Such permission must be obtained from the copyright owner, heir(s), or assigns. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright and pursue the copyright owner or their assigns for permission to publish where the UC Regents do not hold the copyright.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of Item], José Guadalupe Posada chapbook prints and broadsides, CEMA 211. Department of Special Research Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library, University of California, Santa Barbara.

Location of this collection:
UC Santa Barbara Library
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9010, US
Contact:
(805) 893-3062