The latest and greatest Calavera Loteria: La Muerte. We felt that the perfect theme for this painting would be the actual holiday itself, "el Dia de los Muertos", a very special time that is very near and dear to our hearts!
The entire skull represents a traditional altar (or ofrenda). At the teeth, lit candles light the way for the departed. The marigolds create the arch, or doorway that the departed cross to return to us, moving past the "celestial bodies" they encounter on their journey, traditionally represented by fruits suspended from the arch. On the edges you see the "pan de muerto" and the colorful sugar skulls, two examples of treats placed on altars. The strong scent of incense and marigolds is also believed to help our loved ones find their way back.