¡Feliz cumpleaños, Diego Rivera!

The well-known Mexican muralist was born on this day in 1886

Exactly 135 years ago, on December 8, 1886, Diego Rivera was born in Guanajuato, Mexico. While he was well known for his large and beautiful murals with political messages, today he his probably remembered even more for being Frida Kahlo’s lousy husband, as her legacy has even eclipsed his. They obviously had a strained relationship, and people today invariably take Frida’s side.

Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Photo credit: Carl Van Vechten, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

I had the good fortune to take a group of students from UCLA to Mexico City in 2009, during which I got to see Rivera’s mural at the Palacio Nacional with my own eyes, as well as the home he shared with Frida, known as la casa azul, in the Coyoacán neighborhood. Below are some photos I took during that trip.

Diego’s signature. Photo credit: Daniel H. Brown

Writing from mural by Diego Rivera on what the world owes Mexico. Photo credit: Daniel H. Brown

Mural by Diego Rivera. Photo credit: Daniel H. Brown

Rivera’s incorporation of Frida in his mural. Photo credit: Daniel H. Brown

Frida and Diego’s *casa azul*. Photo credit: Daniel H. Brown

Me at the *casa azul* in 2009. Photo credit: Daniel H. Brown

As poor as Diego’s legacy as a husband may be, he was also undeniably talented and influential for many artists who followed him. His rich murals are food for thought for any Hispanophile or art lover.

¡Feliz cumpleaños, Diego!

Have you ever seen any of Diego Rivera’s work? Let us know what you think about it in the comments below. And if you enjoyed this post, please consider sharing it on your favorite social media. ¡Gracias!

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