Grito de Lares by Augusto Marin (Interpretation and Analysis)

Grito de Lares

Source: La Fundación de las Artes Augusto Marín

Today, I want to switch topics to talk about a painting that is much more modern than anything else I’ve talked about so far: Grito de Lares by Augusto Marin.

The title — Grito de Lares — refers to the 1868 Lares revolt against Spanish rule in Puerto Rico. The uprising was a seminal event in the history of Puerto Rico and clearly had a deep impact on Marin, even though he was working more than 100 years later. As the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico notes, “one of his favored subjects is island politics.”

The painting depicts men — brandishing the Lares revolutionary flag — riding into battle on horseback. Marin’s use of bold colors and curving lines conveys a sense of energy and movement. The stampeding horses and the open-mouthed men on their backs call to mind the exaltation and passion associated with revolution.

In examining these compositional elements, it is clear that Marin was inspired by some of the other great revolutionary paintings of the Western tradition: The Third of May by Francisco Goya and Pablo Picasso’s Guernica. Marin’s painting captures the same sense of violent energy and visual drama that Goya and Picasso achieve.

Guernica by Pablo Picasso
Source: Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

The Third of May by Francisco Goya
Source: Museo del Prado

These stylistic choices support Marin’s underlying political message. In creating Grito de Lares, Marin voices support for Puerto Rican autonomy and celebrates the rich history of the Puerto Rican independence movement.

Disclaimer: I’m not an art historian or an expert on this topic. The above is my opinion, based on my interpretation of my foreknowledge of art and history. If I’ve done any additional research, I’ll note it above.