The Day of the Dead: A Pictorial Archive of Dia de Los Muertos (Dover Pictorial Archive)

By Jean Moss

Calaveras — grotesque yet lively images of costumed skeletons — represent a traditional aspect of the Mexican holiday known as the Day of the Dead, when people celebrate the memories of departed loved ones. This compilation of 187 multi-character prints and spot illustrations was drawn from a variety of authentic sources, including many works by José Guadalupe Posada (1852–1913), Mexico's most illustrious graphic artist. Posada took the calaveras custom to new heights, transforming the cavorting skeletons into imaginative expressions of social and political satire.
A century later, these striking drawings, engravings, and etchings continue to pulse with vitality, offering modern designers a timeless source of royalty-free art. In addition to the book's lavish selection of illustrations, a bonus CD-ROM features all of the print images in JPEG and TIFF formats.