Untitled
1942
From the collection of Museum of Modern Art
1942
From the collection of Museum of Modern Art
This poster shows a group of cartoon-like figures stacked on a ladder and a table. At the top, a fat cat in a suit labeled "Acaparadores" sits with a smug grin. Below, people in wide-brimmed hats struggle to reach him, while a dog and a donkey look on. The background is plain, but the text below is sharp and full of anger. The text explains how middlemen (called *acaparadores*) are driving up prices, making life hard for farmers and city folks. The artist used bold, simple shapes and strong contrasts to get the point across. Check out chiaroscuro to see how artists use light and shadow for drama.