Source: WTL photograph in the Palacio Nacional, Mexico City.
Mural: Here is a view of "Disembarkation of the Spanish at Veracruz" taken on the patio corridor from behind a group of tourists. Rivera's murals in the Palacio Nacional have been seen by millions of people, Mexicans and tourists alike.
Comments: One important art critic of Diego Rivera who does not like either the æsthetic rendering or the content of these murals is Peter Hamill. He says this about these murals: "Rivera claimed that he was putting the epic history of all of Mexico on these walls. But with the exception of isolated sections, he functions more as a skilled, empty illustrator than as an artist. [...] The historical figures are too often merely represented, not illuminated. [...] There is plenty of violence, much oppression, and almost no insight. This is painting that demands the services of a tour guide." (Hamill, Diego Rivera. New York: Abrams, 1999, p. 152.) Indeed, it is true that tour guides are omnipresent in front of these works, which means that a "true" viewing of them involves being surrounded by tourists and explicators. Hence, this photo. Furthermore, the angle of viewing here is as Rivera knew that the murals would be viewed: looking up at them.
Humanities Questions: What do you think about Hamill's comment? What do you think about this mural? In what way does this work reflect the history, culture, and humanities of both Mexico and Latin America?