Manuel Rodríguez Lozano , 1896-1971

This mainly self-taight artist was in close contact with avant-garde movements during an eight-year stay in Europe. He returned to Mexico in 1921 during the formation of the muralist movement and the climate full of propositions of the "Mexican Renaissance". As drawing teacher in the Ministry of Education he encouraged the vocation of such young artists as Abraham Angel and Julio Castellanos. Together with the art patron Antonieta Rivas Mercado he founded the Teatro Ulises, trying to change Mexican drama by incorporating the greatest figures of international renown. In 1940 he was appointed director of the School of Plastic Arts. He was found responsible for the theft of some engravings from the Academy and imprisoned, which caused an outcry and comdemnation of intellectuals. In prison he painted the mural La piedad. In 1948 he exhibited his work in the Orangerie Museum, Paris. In protest against the monopoly exercised by the muralists, he distanced himself from official circles and held several exhibitions independently in Mexico City galleries. In 1968 he held a restrospective exhibition of his best works. He died in Mexico City in 1971.

La ramera  (1927) Oil on cardboard 70 x 60 cm

Desnudo femenino  (1934) Oil on canvas 180.5 x 70.5 cm

Las musas (Las tres parcas)  (1936) Oil on canvas 200 x 130 cm

Autorretrato  (1940) Oil on canvas 100 x 59.5 cm