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Open 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Visit
Open today 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission is always free

6th and Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20565

Sculpture Garden Extended Hours

Open late until 8:00 p.m. on select nights
Starting June 3
Exhibitions & Events
Featured event:

Block Party
Join us June 6
Art & Artists
Open Call

Artists Reimagining the Collection
Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

The Vulture's Nest

1943

Leopoldo Méndez

Associated Names

Leopoldo Méndez

Artist, Mexican, 1902 - 1969

This is a drawing of a vulture-like bird guarding a nest filled with human figures, with inscriptions relating to oil companies. The composition features a large vulture with exaggerated features and large eyes clutching what appear to be dollar symbols in its talon. The nest contains several human figures, some of which seem anguished or distressed. To the left of the bird, two figures appear hunched over. The text in the image translates to "Nest of the Oil Companies." The drawing employs bold, dynamic lines and contrasts between black and white to bring out the details.

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Artwork overview

Medium

woodcut on China paper
Credit Line

Rosenwald Collection
Accession Number

1944.14.39

The image is a black and white woodcut print showing an upper body view of a person. The face is depicted with elongated features and the person is positioned with their head slightly tilted upward. They have a solemn expression, large eyes, and a subtly downturned mouth. The person is wearing a long robe with drapery and a head covering, possibly a part of a religious habit covering the hair. Their hands are visible, palms facing slightly outward. The background is plain, with the name "Mincho" signed at the bottom right. — Sweat of Blood

Leopoldo Méndez

1943

This is a photograph of a collection of prints. The cover features the title "25 PRINTS of LEOPOLDO MENDEZ PUBLISHED by LA ESTAMPA MEXICANA MEXICO 1943" in bold black text against a brown background. Below the title, there is an illustration of a person working on an engraving printing press. The cover likely introduces a portfolio of printed artworks by the artist Leopoldo Mendez, published by La Estampa Mexicana in 1943. A red ribbon fastens the edges of the cover. — 25 Prints of Leopoldo Mendez

Leopoldo Méndez

1943

This is a drawing of a scene depicting a group of people gathered around a long table. The figures are seated closely together with varied expressions. One figure is shown carrying a large basket of bread. The setting includes architectural elements and a smaller depiction suggestive of a narrative moment. The drawing features high contrast with bold lines and dark shading. — Dreams of Paupers

Leopoldo Méndez

1943

Artwork history & notes

Wikidata ID

Q65023042

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