ツ ツ Mother and Son Anniversary poster

Federico Cantú was a painter, muralist and printmaker born in the state of Nuevo León in Mexico. In 1922 Cantú attended the School of Open Air Painting, directed by Alfredo Ramos Martinez. In contrast to other artists of his time, Cantú followed an academic path in his painting, sculpture and mural techniques.

Daphne and the Bathers, 1929

For ten years between 1924 and 1934, Cantú lived in Europe and the United States. Cantú exhibited for the first time in the Exposition Park Museum in Los Angeles, California. Cantú also took part in a variety of collective exhibitions in New York City.

Weddings of Canan, 1953

When Cantú returned to Mexico City he began to work as a printmaker with Carlos Alvarado Lang. Cantú frequently used an intaglio technique called “dry point”. This method of printmaking involves scratching directly into copper plates that are later printed with rich, oil inks. Cantú presented his work in the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, which is a very prestigious location to exhibit. Cantú often returned to the United States to exhibit, and taught classes at the University of California.

Triumph of Death

Cantú was known for the historic and religious content in his work. Cantú referenced times of antiquity and biblical passages. Cantú used a muted palette of ochres and umbers, conveying a serious tone in his work.

stone relief

In the 1950s onward, Cantú concentrated on public work, including murals, relief work and sculpture. Cantú had many commissions, including a piece for the Mexican Institute of Social Security.

Federico Cantú plays an important role in Mexican art of the twentieth century. Cantú’s work can be seen in collections throughout Mexico and the United States. Do you think you own a Federico Cantú? Contact us. We are the Cantú experts.