Manuel Manilla
Mexico City
(1830 – 1895)
Manuel Manilla is a name that resonates in the history of Mexican art, especially in the context of the Day of the Dead. Known for his innovative engravings that humanize death, Manilla left a significant mark on Mexico's visual culture.
Manuel Álvarez Manilla y Ortega was born in 1830 in Mexico City. He began his artistic career informally, working in local printing houses and workshops. His first encounter with the art of engraving was at Antonio Vanegas Arroyo’s workshop, where he developed his distinctive technique and style. He never considered himself an artist as such, as the illustrator trade was viewed as a technical job. However, over time, his creative brilliance has been recognized by art critics and enthusiasts alike.
Among his most recognized works are Calavera Tapatía and Calavera Revolucionaria, which depict skeletons in everyday and festive situations. Other famous pieces include Charro con perro and El infierno.
Although he did not gain recognition during his lifetime, his influence on later artists, such as José Guadalupe Posada, is undeniable. His work has been celebrated posthumously in several important exhibitions, including a tribute in the late 1980s at the Casa de la Cultura de Michoacán and the exhibition Día de Muertos: A Time to Grieve & Remember at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
His works are part of significant collections, such as those of the MUNAL and the New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA. Manuel Manilla retired in 1892 after completing more than 600 illustrations and passed away in 1895 victim of typhus in Mexico City.