Diego Rivera and His Extraordinary Art of Medicine and Surgery

Abstract

Diego Rivera (1886–1957), the superb Mexican muralist, made significant contributions to the art of medicine and surgery unmatched by any other painter of his stature in the world. Rivera intensively embraced medical and surgical knowledge through his legendary artistic career in a manner never seen before.

Rivera's first surgical theme can be traced to 1920, when he attended and drew the wonders of the surgical operation of Dr. Fauré in Paris. The artist was particularly moved by surgical and medical events, and this surgical clinic enhanced his appetite for these important professional activities. In 1932, Rivera introduced several medico-surgical panels in Detroit automobile industry frescos. Among them, vaccination, the human embryo, the pharmaceutical industry, the germ cell, and surgery are the most representative themes included.

Two years later, in Man, Controller of the Universe, the artist emphasized the effect disease and technology had on the rest of humanity. In 1944, Rivera produced The History of Cardiology, two movable extraordinary frescos that represent the history of this field of medicine. In 1953, the creative vein of this prodigious genius created The History of Medicine in Mexico, in which medicine and surgery are exceptionally well-conceived and analyzed. In brief, Rivera incorporated the best of his art and knowledge into the better understanding of medicine and surgery as he saw it during his outstanding artistic life.