Barkeeper

José Guadalupe Posada

Barkeeper by José Guadalupe Posada

A skeleton bartender stands ready to serve behind a counter lined with bottles in this classic 'calavera' illustration by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada. The Spanish poem below identifies him as Joaquín the shopkeeper, who humorously 'kicked the bucket' just the day before yesterday, yet continues his trade from the grave. Posada was famous for using these skeletal figures to satirize everyday life and politics in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work later became iconic imagery for the Day of the Dead celebrations, serving as a witty reminder that death is the great equalizer—even for the guy pouring the drinks.

Technique
relief print
Material
paper
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