Adolfo Best Maugard

Artist: Best Maugard, Adolfo,

Title: Metodo de Dibujo : Tradición resurgimiento Y evolución del arte mexicano.

Date: 1923

Location: Mexico, Departmento editorial de la Secretaría de educación

  • Adolfo Best Maugard (1891-1964) was a pivotal figure in shaping modern Mexican art. As head of the National Department of Artistic Education, a role assigned to him by José Vasconcelos, Best Maugard developed a drawing method that merged Theosophy, art theory and the spiritual and cultural heritage of pre-Hispanic Mexico. This method, detailed in his 1923 publication Drawing Method: Tradition, Resurgence, and Evolution of Mexican Art, was adopted in schools and profoundly influenced artists such as Roberto Montenegro.

    Rooted in Theosophical ideas, Best Maugard’s drawing method centered around seven geometric motifs: the straight line, zigzag, wavy line, half-circle, circle, spiral, and 'S' motif. He linked these figures to a Theosophical concept of the septenary, which posits that the universe and humanity are structured according to a sevenfold design. Best Maugard’s studies with anthropologist Franz Boas in 1911 at the School of American Anthropology and Ethnology had informed his belief that these seven forms represented a Mexican aesthetic, derived from his analysis of over two thousand pieces of pottery.

    His approach sought to reveal the universality of pre-Hispanic art and its potential to inspire a distinctly Mexican modernism. Although his theories faced criticism from figures like David Alfaro Siqueiros or Jean Charlot, Best Maugard’s emphasis on integrating Theosophy and indigenous motifs played a transformative role in the Mexican muralist movement. His drawing method inspired a generation of artists, as seen in the works of Montenegro included in this Module.

Author: Best Maugard, Adolfo

Title: Metodo de Dibujo : Tradición resurgimiento Y evolución del arte mexicano.

Date: 1923

Location: Mexico, Departmento editorial de la Secretaría de educación

  • Adolfo Best Maugard (1891-1964) was a pivotal figure in shaping modern Mexican art. As head of the National Department of Artistic Education, a role assigned to him by José Vasconcelos, Best Maugard developed a drawing method that merged Theosophy, art theory and the spiritual and cultural heritage of pre-Hispanic Mexico. This method, detailed in his 1923 publication Drawing Method: Tradition, Resurgence, and Evolution of Mexican Art, was adopted in schools and profoundly influenced artists such as Roberto Montenegro.

    Rooted in Theosophical ideas, Best Maugard’s drawing method centered around seven geometric motifs: the straight line, zigzag, wavy line, half-circle, circle, spiral, and 'S' motif. He linked these figures to a Theosophical concept of the septenary, which posits that the universe and humanity are structured according to a sevenfold design. Best Maugard’s studies with anthropologist Franz Boas in 1911 at the School of American Anthropology and Ethnology had informed his belief that these seven forms represented a Mexican aesthetic, derived from his analysis of over two thousand pieces of pottery.

    His approach sought to reveal the universality of pre-Hispanic art and its potential to inspire a distinctly Mexican modernism. Although his theories faced criticism from figures like David Alfaro Siqueiros or Jean Charlot, Best Maugard’s emphasis on integrating Theosophy and indigenous motifs played a transformative role in the Mexican muralist movement. His drawing method inspired a generation of artists, as seen in the works of Montenegro included in this Module.

Author: Best Maugard, Adolfo

Title: Metodo de Dibujo : Tradición resurgimiento Y evolución del arte mexicano.

Date: 1923

Location: Mexico, Departmento editorial de la Secretaría de educación

  • Adolfo Best Maugard (1891-1964) was a pivotal figure in shaping modern Mexican art. As head of the National Department of Artistic Education, a role assigned to him by José Vasconcelos, Best Maugard developed a drawing method that merged Theosophy, art theory and the spiritual and cultural heritage of pre-Hispanic Mexico. This method, detailed in his 1923 publication Drawing Method: Tradition, Resurgence, and Evolution of Mexican Art, was adopted in schools and profoundly influenced artists such as Roberto Montenegro.

    Rooted in Theosophical ideas, Best Maugard’s drawing method centered around seven geometric motifs: the straight line, zigzag, wavy line, half-circle, circle, spiral, and 'S' motif. He linked these figures to a Theosophical concept of the septenary, which posits that the universe and humanity are structured according to a sevenfold design. Best Maugard’s studies with anthropologist Franz Boas in 1911 at the School of American Anthropology and Ethnology had informed his belief that these seven forms represented a Mexican aesthetic, derived from his analysis of over two thousand pieces of pottery.

    His approach sought to reveal the universality of pre-Hispanic art and its potential to inspire a distinctly Mexican modernism. Although his theories faced criticism from figures like David Alfaro Siqueiros or Jean Charlot, Best Maugard’s emphasis on integrating Theosophy and indigenous motifs played a transformative role in the Mexican muralist movement. His drawing method inspired a generation of artists, as seen in the works of Montenegro included in this Module.

Artist: Best Maugard, Adolfo

Title: Metodo de Dibujo : Tradición resurgimiento Y evolución del arte mexicano (Drawing Method: Tradition, resurgence and evolution of Mexican art).

Date: 1923

Location: Mexico: Departmento editorial de la Secretaría de educación

  • Adolfo Best Maugard (1891-1964) was a pivotal figure in shaping modern Mexican art. As head of the National Department of Artistic Education, a role assigned to him by José Vasconcelos, Best Maugard developed a drawing method that merged Theosophy, art theory and the spiritual and cultural heritage of pre-Hispanic Mexico. This method, detailed in his 1923 publication Drawing Method: Tradition, Resurgence, and Evolution of Mexican Art, was adopted in schools and profoundly influenced artists such as Roberto Montenegro.

    Rooted in Theosophical ideas, Best Maugard’s drawing method centered around seven geometric motifs: the straight line, zigzag, wavy line, half-circle, circle, spiral, and 'S' motif. He linked these figures to a Theosophical concept of the septenary, which posits that the universe and humanity are structured according to a sevenfold design. Best Maugard’s studies with anthropologist Franz Boas in 1911 at the School of American Anthropology and Ethnology had informed his belief that these seven forms represented a Mexican aesthetic, derived from his analysis of over two thousand pieces of pottery.

    His approach sought to reveal the universality of pre-Hispanic art and its potential to inspire a distinctly Mexican modernism. Although his theories faced criticism from figures like David Alfaro Siqueiros or Jean Charlot, Best Maugard’s emphasis on integrating Theosophy and indigenous motifs played a transformative role in the Mexican muralist movement. His drawing method inspired a generation of artists, as seen in the works of Montenegro included in this Module.

Artist: Best Maugard, Adolfo

Title: Metodo de Dibujo : Tradición resurgimiento Y evolución del arte mexicano (Drawing Method: Tradition, resurgence and evolution of Mexican art).

Date: 1923

Location: Mexico: Departmento editorial de la Secretaría de educación

  • Adolfo Best Maugard (1891-1964) was a pivotal figure in shaping modern Mexican art. As head of the National Department of Artistic Education, a role assigned to him by José Vasconcelos, Best Maugard developed a drawing method that merged Theosophy, art theory and the spiritual and cultural heritage of pre-Hispanic Mexico. This method, detailed in his 1923 publication Drawing Method: Tradition, Resurgence, and Evolution of Mexican Art, was adopted in schools and profoundly influenced artists such as Roberto Montenegro.

    Rooted in Theosophical ideas, Best Maugard’s drawing method centered around seven geometric motifs: the straight line, zigzag, wavy line, half-circle, circle, spiral, and 'S' motif. He linked these figures to a Theosophical concept of the septenary, which posits that the universe and humanity are structured according to a sevenfold design. Best Maugard’s studies with anthropologist Franz Boas in 1911 at the School of American Anthropology and Ethnology had informed his belief that these seven forms represented a Mexican aesthetic, derived from his analysis of over two thousand pieces of pottery.

    His approach sought to reveal the universality of pre-Hispanic art and its potential to inspire a distinctly Mexican modernism. Although his theories faced criticism from figures like David Alfaro Siqueiros or Jean Charlot, Best Maugard’s emphasis on integrating Theosophy and indigenous motifs played a transformative role in the Mexican muralist movement. His drawing method inspired a generation of artists, as seen in the works of Montenegro included in this Module.

Artist: Best Maugard, Adolfo

Title: Metodo de Dibujo : Tradición resurgimiento Y evolución del arte mexicano (Drawing Method: Tradition, resurgence and evolution of Mexican art).

Date: 1923

Location: Mexico: Departmento editorial de la Secretaría de educación

  • Adolfo Best Maugard (1891-1964) was a pivotal figure in shaping modern Mexican art. As head of the National Department of Artistic Education, a role assigned to him by José Vasconcelos, Best Maugard developed a drawing method that merged Theosophy, art theory and the spiritual and cultural heritage of pre-Hispanic Mexico. This method, detailed in his 1923 publication Drawing Method: Tradition, Resurgence, and Evolution of Mexican Art, was adopted in schools and profoundly influenced artists such as Roberto Montenegro.

    Rooted in Theosophical ideas, Best Maugard’s drawing method centered around seven geometric motifs: the straight line, zigzag, wavy line, half-circle, circle, spiral, and 'S' motif. He linked these figures to a Theosophical concept of the septenary, which posits that the universe and humanity are structured according to a sevenfold design. Best Maugard’s studies with anthropologist Franz Boas in 1911 at the School of American Anthropology and Ethnology had informed his belief that these seven forms represented a Mexican aesthetic, derived from his analysis of over two thousand pieces of pottery.

    His approach sought to reveal the universality of pre-Hispanic art and its potential to inspire a distinctly Mexican modernism. Although his theories faced criticism from figures like David Alfaro Siqueiros or Jean Charlot, Best Maugard’s emphasis on integrating Theosophy and indigenous motifs played a transformative role in the Mexican muralist movement. His drawing method inspired a generation of artists, as seen in the works of Montenegro included in this Module.

Artist: Best Maugard, Adolfo

Title: Metodo de Dibujo : Tradición resurgimiento Y evolución del arte mexicano (Drawing Method: Tradition, resurgence and evolution of Mexican art).

Date: 1923

Location: Mexico: Departmento editorial de la Secretaría de educación

  • Adolfo Best Maugard (1891-1964) was a pivotal figure in shaping modern Mexican art. As head of the National Department of Artistic Education, a role assigned to him by José Vasconcelos, Best Maugard developed a drawing method that merged Theosophy, art theory and the spiritual and cultural heritage of pre-Hispanic Mexico. This method, detailed in his 1923 publication Drawing Method: Tradition, Resurgence, and Evolution of Mexican Art, was adopted in schools and profoundly influenced artists such as Roberto Montenegro.

    Rooted in Theosophical ideas, Best Maugard’s drawing method centered around seven geometric motifs: the straight line, zigzag, wavy line, half-circle, circle, spiral, and 'S' motif. He linked these figures to a Theosophical concept of the septenary, which posits that the universe and humanity are structured according to a sevenfold design. Best Maugard’s studies with anthropologist Franz Boas in 1911 at the School of American Anthropology and Ethnology had informed his belief that these seven forms represented a Mexican aesthetic, derived from his analysis of over two thousand pieces of pottery.

    His approach sought to reveal the universality of pre-Hispanic art and its potential to inspire a distinctly Mexican modernism. Although his theories faced criticism from figures like David Alfaro Siqueiros or Jean Charlot, Best Maugard’s emphasis on integrating Theosophy and indigenous motifs played a transformative role in the Mexican muralist movement. His drawing method inspired a generation of artists, as seen in the works of Montenegro included in this Module.

Artist: Best Maugard, Adolfo

Title: Metodo de Dibujo : Tradición resurgimiento Y evolución del arte mexicano (Drawing Method: Tradition, resurgence and evolution of Mexican art).

Date: 1923

Location: Mexico: Departmento editorial de la Secretaría de educación

  • Adolfo Best Maugard (1891-1964) was a pivotal figure in shaping modern Mexican art. As head of the National Department of Artistic Education, a role assigned to him by José Vasconcelos, Best Maugard developed a drawing method that merged Theosophy, art theory and the spiritual and cultural heritage of pre-Hispanic Mexico. This method, detailed in his 1923 publication Drawing Method: Tradition, Resurgence, and Evolution of Mexican Art, was adopted in schools and profoundly influenced artists such as Roberto Montenegro.

    Rooted in Theosophical ideas, Best Maugard’s drawing method centered around seven geometric motifs: the straight line, zigzag, wavy line, half-circle, circle, spiral, and 'S' motif. He linked these figures to a Theosophical concept of the septenary, which posits that the universe and humanity are structured according to a sevenfold design. Best Maugard’s studies with anthropologist Franz Boas in 1911 at the School of American Anthropology and Ethnology had informed his belief that these seven forms represented a Mexican aesthetic, derived from his analysis of over two thousand pieces of pottery.

    His approach sought to reveal the universality of pre-Hispanic art and its potential to inspire a distinctly Mexican modernism. Although his theories faced criticism from figures like David Alfaro Siqueiros or Jean Charlot, Best Maugard’s emphasis on integrating Theosophy and indigenous motifs played a transformative role in the Mexican muralist movement. His drawing method inspired a generation of artists, as seen in the works of Montenegro included in this Module.

Artist: Best Maugard, Adolfo

Title: Metodo de Dibujo : Tradición resurgimiento Y evolución del arte mexicano (Drawing Method: Tradition, resurgence and evolution of Mexican art).

Date: 1923

Location: Mexico: Departmento editorial de la Secretaría de educación

  • Adolfo Best Maugard (1891-1964) was a pivotal figure in shaping modern Mexican art. As head of the National Department of Artistic Education, a role assigned to him by José Vasconcelos, Best Maugard developed a drawing method that merged Theosophy, art theory and the spiritual and cultural heritage of pre-Hispanic Mexico. This method, detailed in his 1923 publication Drawing Method: Tradition, Resurgence, and Evolution of Mexican Art, was adopted in schools and profoundly influenced artists such as Roberto Montenegro.

    Rooted in Theosophical ideas, Best Maugard’s drawing method centered around seven geometric motifs: the straight line, zigzag, wavy line, half-circle, circle, spiral, and 'S' motif. He linked these figures to a Theosophical concept of the septenary, which posits that the universe and humanity are structured according to a sevenfold design. Best Maugard’s studies with anthropologist Franz Boas in 1911 at the School of American Anthropology and Ethnology had informed his belief that these seven forms represented a Mexican aesthetic, derived from his analysis of over two thousand pieces of pottery.

    His approach sought to reveal the universality of pre-Hispanic art and its potential to inspire a distinctly Mexican modernism. Although his theories faced criticism from figures like David Alfaro Siqueiros or Jean Charlot, Best Maugard’s emphasis on integrating Theosophy and indigenous motifs played a transformative role in the Mexican muralist movement. His drawing method inspired a generation of artists, as seen in the works of Montenegro included in this Module.

Artist: Best Maugard, Adolfo

Title: Metodo de Dibujo : Tradición resurgimiento Y evolución del arte mexicano (Drawing Method: Tradition, resurgence and evolution of Mexican art).

Date: 1923

Location: Mexico: Departmento editorial de la Secretaría de educación

  • Adolfo Best Maugard (1891-1964) was a pivotal figure in shaping modern Mexican art. As head of the National Department of Artistic Education, a role assigned to him by José Vasconcelos, Best Maugard developed a drawing method that merged Theosophy, art theory and the spiritual and cultural heritage of pre-Hispanic Mexico. This method, detailed in his 1923 publication Drawing Method: Tradition, Resurgence, and Evolution of Mexican Art, was adopted in schools and profoundly influenced artists such as Roberto Montenegro.

    Rooted in Theosophical ideas, Best Maugard’s drawing method centered around seven geometric motifs: the straight line, zigzag, wavy line, half-circle, circle, spiral, and 'S' motif. He linked these figures to a Theosophical concept of the septenary, which posits that the universe and humanity are structured according to a sevenfold design. Best Maugard’s studies with anthropologist Franz Boas in 1911 at the School of American Anthropology and Ethnology had informed his belief that these seven forms represented a Mexican aesthetic, derived from his analysis of over two thousand pieces of pottery.

    His approach sought to reveal the universality of pre-Hispanic art and its potential to inspire a distinctly Mexican modernism. Although his theories faced criticism from figures like David Alfaro Siqueiros or Jean Charlot, Best Maugard’s emphasis on integrating Theosophy and indigenous motifs played a transformative role in the Mexican muralist movement. His drawing method inspired a generation of artists, as seen in the works of Montenegro included in this Module.

Artist: Best Maugard, Adolfo

Title: Metodo de Dibujo : Tradición resurgimiento Y evolución del arte mexicano (Drawing Method: Tradition, resurgence and evolution of Mexican art).

Date: 1923

Location: Mexico: Departmento editorial de la Secretaría de educación

  • Adolfo Best Maugard (1891-1964) was a pivotal figure in shaping modern Mexican art. As head of the National Department of Artistic Education, a role assigned to him by José Vasconcelos, Best Maugard developed a drawing method that merged Theosophy, art theory and the spiritual and cultural heritage of pre-Hispanic Mexico. This method, detailed in his 1923 publication Drawing Method: Tradition, Resurgence, and Evolution of Mexican Art, was adopted in schools and profoundly influenced artists such as Roberto Montenegro.

    Rooted in Theosophical ideas, Best Maugard’s drawing method centered around seven geometric motifs: the straight line, zigzag, wavy line, half-circle, circle, spiral, and 'S' motif. He linked these figures to a Theosophical concept of the septenary, which posits that the universe and humanity are structured according to a sevenfold design. Best Maugard’s studies with anthropologist Franz Boas in 1911 at the School of American Anthropology and Ethnology had informed his belief that these seven forms represented a Mexican aesthetic, derived from his analysis of over two thousand pieces of pottery.

    His approach sought to reveal the universality of pre-Hispanic art and its potential to inspire a distinctly Mexican modernism. Although his theories faced criticism from figures like David Alfaro Siqueiros or Jean Charlot, Best Maugard’s emphasis on integrating Theosophy and indigenous motifs played a transformative role in the Mexican muralist movement. His drawing method inspired a generation of artists, as seen in the works of Montenegro included in this Module.

Artist: Best Maugard, Adolfo

Title: Metodo de Dibujo : Tradición resurgimiento Y evolución del arte mexicano (Drawing Method: Tradition, resurgence and evolution of Mexican art).

Date: 1923

Location: Mexico: Departmento editorial de la Secretaría de educación

  • Adolfo Best Maugard (1891-1964) was a pivotal figure in shaping modern Mexican art. As head of the National Department of Artistic Education, a role assigned to him by José Vasconcelos, Best Maugard developed a drawing method that merged Theosophy, art theory and the spiritual and cultural heritage of pre-Hispanic Mexico. This method, detailed in his 1923 publication Drawing Method: Tradition, Resurgence, and Evolution of Mexican Art, was adopted in schools and profoundly influenced artists such as Roberto Montenegro.

    Rooted in Theosophical ideas, Best Maugard’s drawing method centered around seven geometric motifs: the straight line, zigzag, wavy line, half-circle, circle, spiral, and 'S' motif. He linked these figures to a Theosophical concept of the septenary, which posits that the universe and humanity are structured according to a sevenfold design. Best Maugard’s studies with anthropologist Franz Boas in 1911 at the School of American Anthropology and Ethnology had informed his belief that these seven forms represented a Mexican aesthetic, derived from his analysis of over two thousand pieces of pottery.

    His approach sought to reveal the universality of pre-Hispanic art and its potential to inspire a distinctly Mexican modernism. Although his theories faced criticism from figures like David Alfaro Siqueiros or Jean Charlot, Best Maugard’s emphasis on integrating Theosophy and indigenous motifs played a transformative role in the Mexican muralist movement. His drawing method inspired a generation of artists, as seen in the works of Montenegro included in this Module.