Figure of a Woman

1973

Figure of a Woman, 1973. Rufino Tamayo (Mexican, 1899–1991), printed and published by Ediciones Polígrafa (Spanish, 20th century). Color lithograph; image: 76 x 56 cm (29 15/16 x 22 1/16 in.); sheet: 76 x 56 cm (29 15/16 x 22 1/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. William E. Ward 1982.354 © Tamayo Heirs / Mexico / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York Rufino Tamayo rejected the political imagery of many of his Mexican contemporaries, such as Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco. Like much of his art, this print draws inspiration from his native region, which was known for its indigenous culture into the 1900s. The earthy tones and simple shapes of this image suggest decorations on early pre-Colombian pottery.