Jose Guadalupe Posada was a Mexican cartoonist and illustrator. He is best known for his satirical political cartoons. Posada was born in Aguascalientes and received his education from his brother. As a teenager, he went to work for a local printmaker where he learned lithography and engraving. Posada obtained a job as a political cartoonist for El Jicote, a local newspaper, but the newspaper closed after 11 issues. By 1875, he had opened his own print shop focusing on book illustrations, posters, and advertising work. Posada later joined the staff of a publishing firm owned by Antonio Vanegas Arroyo. It was during this prolific time that he created his Calaveras- a collection of prints that satirized the upper classes, current events, and religion. Although Posada died in poverty, he remembered for his satirical acuteness and folk art imagery. Read more about Posada and his work at your Milwaukee Public Library by clicking here.
