God and the Four Evangelists ("Fool's Concert") - 1943 Linocut on Paper by Leopoldo Méndez

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God and the Four Evangelists ("Fool's Concert") - 1943 Linocut on Paper

Leopoldo Méndez (Mexico City, Mexico, 1902–1969) "Fool's Concert" … Read more God and the Four Evangelists ("Fool's Concert") - 1943 Linocut on Paper

Leopoldo Méndez (Mexico City, Mexico, 1902–1969) "Fool's Concert" (from the portfolio "25 Prints of Leopoldo Méndez") is a sharp satirical critique of religious fanaticism. At the center, a bearded figure representing God holds a triangle with an all-seeing eye, exuding authority. Surrounding him, grotesque evangelists engage in a chaotic spectacle—one beats a drum, another plays a violin with a sickle, while others ring bells and gesture wildly.

Méndez’s bold linework and high-contrast style heighten the absurdity, exposing the theatricality of blind faith and manipulation by religious figures. This work exemplifies his masterful use of printmaking as a tool for social and political critique.

Signed "Mendez" lower right.
Presented in a silver frame with a black mat.
Frame size: 12.5"H x 9.5"W
Impression size: 7.5"H x 4.5"W

Leopoldo Méndez (Mexico City, Mexico, 1902–1969) was a young man during the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) and became a social and political activist. In 1937, he co-founded the Taller de Gráfica Popular [People’s Graphic Workshop], one of the most influential print collectives in the Americas for its commitment to social causes. Much of his printed work highlights the ideals of social justice underscoring the Mexican Revolution.

This piece is in the permanent collections of:
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
McNay Art Museum
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Museum of Modern Art, New York
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Harvard Art Muesums See less