09/16/2026
To kick off Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s take a look at these heart-shaped jars by Jesús Álvarez Ramírez! 🇲🇽
These heart-shaped jars include national and historical iconography of Mexico. Note the central image of the eagle perched upon the nopal cactus, holding a serpent in its beak. In the founding myth of the city of Tenochtitlán, this image was understood as a sign that the migrating Mexica people should establish their community where Mexico City sits today. As Mexico gained its Independence in the nineteenth century, this iconic image became a symbol of national identity.
Artist Álvarez Ramírez was a leading contemporary maker in the tradition of barro bruñido ceramics from Tonalá, Jalisco. In the twentieth century, Tonalá ceramics were celebrated as exemplary Mexican popular arts.
Their renown extended earlier still, as Tonalá’s clay was desired across continents, with pieces exported for the enjoyment of European consumers during the Viceregal period.
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Jesús Álvarez Ramírez (Mexican, 1962 - 2020), “Bandera Corazón”, 2006, Earthenware, h. 16 3/8 in. (41.6 cm); w. 23 1/4 in. (59.1 cm); d. 14 in. (35.6 cm), San Antonio Museum of Art, gift of Candace P. and W. Michael Humphreys, 2024.18.16
Jesús Álvarez Ramírez (Mexican, 1962 - 2020), “Double Eagle Corazón”, 2006, Earthenware, h. 16 5/8 in. (42.2 cm); w. 23 1/2 in. (59.7 cm); d. 14 in. (35.6 cm), San Antonio Museum of Art, gift of Candace P. and W. Michael Humphreys, 2024.18.17
