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Student Artwork Guide

Dos caballos

Name Class Date

Heriberto Juárez, Dos caballos (1999), Fundación Universidad de las Américas Puebla. Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Heriberto Juárez originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/heriberto-juarez/
Artist’s dates
1932 – 2008
Painted
1999
Medium
Painting
Original size
144 x 112 cm
Movement
Contemporary Abstraction Abstraction built strictly from squares, circles and straight edges rather than free gesture.
Period
Contemporary
Held at
Fundación Universidad de las Américas Puebla originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/fundacion-universidad-de-las-americas-puebla-cholula/
Artistic style
Abstract with pre-Hispanic influence
Influences
Mexican culture, livestock, pre-Hispanic
Notable elements
Bright palette, intricate details
Subject or theme
Two fighting horses and smaller figures

In context

Dos caballos — Heriberto Juárez

How big is it?

The original measures 144 × 112 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1930
  2. 1940
  3. 1950
  4. 1960
  5. 1970
  6. 1980
  7. 1990
  8. 2000

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 76 at death.

Painted when the artist was 67. The artist lived to 76. 41 of the 50 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Heriberto Juárez (1932–2008) ▲ this work, 1999 every dated painting, decade by decade

Compare with

  • Caballo, 1999 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/heriberto-juarez-caballo-D7BEQT-en/
  • Caballo, 1997 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/heriberto-juarez-caballo-D7BC4W-en/
  • Toros mitológicos, 1997 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/heriberto-juarez-toros-mitologicos-D7BDDW-en/

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/heriberto-juarez-dos-caballos-D7BC3U-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    White #fefefd

    Catalogued palette

    • #FEFEFD
    • #3A2421
    • #805C54
    • #BEB29E

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Pastels The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    White
    Intensity
    Monochromatic How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Statement How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Softly Mixed Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Brilliant How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Muted How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Heriberto Juárez over the last twelve months — 1 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 100.0%

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 11 most looked-at works by Heriberto Juárez

    1. 1 Homenaje a Juárez, 1997 16.7%
    2. 2 Adán y Eva, 1997 16.7%
    3. 3 Caballo, 1999 8.3%
    4. 4 Caballo, 1997 8.3%
    5. 5 Niño torero, 1999 8.3%
    6. 6 Toros mitológicos, 1997 8.3%
    7. 7 Paloma, 1998 8.3%
    8. 8 Torso café, 1997 8.3%
    9. 9 Toro sol, 1997 8.3%
    10. 10 Don Quijote y Sancho, 1997 8.3%
    11. — Dos caballos, 1999 this painting 0.0%

    Together these works take 99.8% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 51 works by this artist, of which 10 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    About this artwork

    Dos caballos — Heriberto Juárez

    A Primal Dance of Color and Conflict

    In the evocative masterpiece Dos caballos, the viewer is thrust into a visceral, high-stakes encounter between two powerful forces of nature. Created in 1999 by the esteemed Mexican artist Heriberto Juárez, this painting captures the raw intensity of two horses locked in a struggle, their heads bowed and bodies pressed together in a moment of profound tension. The composition is far from static; it is a swirling vortex of motion where the boundaries between subject and atmosphere seem to blur. One stallion emerges in a striking palette of fiery reds, accented by sharp lines of black and yellow, while its adversary presents a cooler, yet equally complex, contrast of navy, blue, and gold. This chromatic duality does more than just distinguish the two figures; it creates a rhythmic dialogue of heat and cold, strength and resistance.

    The technique employed by Juárez is a testament to his mastery of abstraction and color theory. Rather than relying on anatomical precision, he utilizes bold, expressive strokes and intricate linework to convey the muscularity and spirit of the animals. The painting is layered with smaller, enigmatic figures scattered throughout the background, which lend a sense of mythic depth to the scene. These elements suggest that this conflict is not merely an isolated event in a field, but part of a larger, cosmic tapestry of life and struggle. For the discerning collector or interior designer, the piece offers a sophisticated interplay of texture and light, making it a commanding focal point that breathes life into any curated space.

    The Soul of San Juan Teotihuacan

    To truly appreciate Dos caballos, one must understand the cultural heartbeat that informs Juárez’s brushwork. Born in the historic cradle of San Juan Teotihuacan, the artist’s work is deeply rooted in the Mexican landscape and its ancestral echoes. His early life, steeped in the rhythms of livestock care and the rugged beauty of rural Mexico, provided him with a lifelong fascination with animals—particularly horses and bulls. In this work, the animal becomes an allegory for the human condition: a representation of passion, territoriality, and the indomitable will to endure. The influence of pre-Hispanic aesthetics is subtly woven into his use of form, where abstraction meets a recognizable, earth-bound reality.

    Juárez’s ability to blend these cultural motifs with a modern, international sensibility makes his work timeless. As a self-taught visionary, he bypassed formal academic constraints to develop a style that is uniquely his own—one characterized by an unapologetic vibrancy and an emotional honesty. For those seeking to adorn their homes or galleries with art that possesses both historical weight and contemporary energy, this reproduction of Dos caballos serves as a window into the soul of a master. It is more than a depiction of animals; it is an invitation to witness the eternal dance of life’s most primal energies.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Heriberto Juárez

    Born in San Juan Teotihuacan, Mexico

    early life and career

    heriberto juárez, a renowned mexican artist, was born in 1932 in san juan teotihuacan, state of mexico. with no formal training in art, juárez's innate talent and passion for creativity led him to become a self-taught sculptor and painter. initially, he aspired to be a bullfighter but soon discovered his true calling in creating figures, which eventually became the foundation of his artistic career.

    artistic style and themes

    juárez's work is characterized by its vibrant colors, abstract yet recognizable forms, and a deep connection with mexican culture. his sculptures and paintings often feature women and animals, especially bulls, which reflect his fascination with the beauty of everyday life. the artist's unique style has been widely acclaimed, with over seventy individual exhibitions in mexico and the united states.

    notable works and collections

    some of juárez's most notable works include:

    heriberto juárez: creatividad (298 x 22 cm, fundación universidad de las américas puebla, san andrés cholula, mexico), a sculpture showcasing the artist's allegorical approach to creativity.

    adán y eva (241 x 171 cm, fundación universidad de las américas puebla, san andrés choloria, mexico), a sculptural piece that explores the themes of humanity and duality.

    don quijote y sancho (45 x 42 cm, fundación universidad de las américas puebla, san andrés choloria, mexico), a full-body sculpture honoring the characters from miguel de cervantes' novel.

    museums and collections featuring juárez's work

    hastings museum and art gallery (united kingdom) - although not exclusively featuring juárez's work, this museum showcases a diverse collection of art and artifacts.

    eiteljorg museum of american indians and western art (united states) - this museum, while primarily focused on native american and western art, demonstrates the global appreciation for juárez's work.

    legacy and online presence

    juárez's legacy can be explored through various online platforms, including:

    heriberto juárez | AllPaintingsStore.com - featuring the artist's biography and artworks.

    heriberto juárez - wikipedia - providing an in-depth look at the artist's life and career.

    conclusion

    heriberto juárez, a self-taught mexican sculptor and painter, has left an indelible mark on the world of art. his vibrant, abstract forms continue to inspire, and his legacy can be explored through various online platforms and museum collections.

    Museum

    Fundación Universidad de las Américas Puebla

    On show in Cholula, Mexico

    A Sanctuary of Heritage: The Soul of UDLAP

    Nestled within the historic embrace of Cholula, Mexico, the

    Fundación Universidad de las Américas Puebla

    serves as much more than a mere repository for artifacts; it is a living, breathing dialogue between Mexico’s storied past and its vibrant, contemporary spirit. To step onto the grounds of this institution is to enter a realm where academic rigor meets artistic passion. The museum, situated within the magnificent former

    Hacienda Santa Catarina Mártir

    , offers an immersive journey through the heart of Mexican identity. Here, the air seems thick with the echoes of colonial grandeur and the transformative energy of modern intellectual pursuit, creating a sanctuary that invites both the casual observer and the seasoned collector to lose themselves in the beauty of the Americas.

    The architectural narrative of the museum is a masterpiece of metamorphosis. The transition from a sprawling, colonial-era hacienda estate into the prestigious campus of UDLAP is etched into every stone and archway. Visitors find themselves wandering through a landscape where

    baroque elegance

    meets modern innovation. Sunlight filters through ornate windows to illuminate expansive halls that reflect the dual mission of the university: to preserve the sanctity of history while fostering the seeds of future discovery. This architectural harmony provides a breathtaking backdrop for the art it houses, as the very walls seem to pulse with the same creative vitality found within the canvases and sculptures on display.

    A Tapestry of Color and Clay

    The collection at UDLAP is a curated odyssey through the evolution of Mexican Fine Art, boasting over 600 works that capture the shifting tides of a nation's soul. While the museum honors various eras, its true heartbeat lies in the

    20th-century masterpieces

    . These works, characterized by their bold experimentation and defiance of convention, offer a panoramic view of an era where artists redefined the boundaries of form and meaning. One might encounter powerful sculptures that grapple with themes of social justice and personal identity, standing in silent, profound conversation with paintings that explode with textural richness and a uniquely Mexican palette. For the interior designer or art enthusiast, these pieces represent more than decoration; they are windows into the emotional landscape of a transformative century.

    Beyond the canvas and the chisel, the museum celebrates the tactile traditions that define Mexican craftsmanship through its exquisite

    Talavera Ceramic Collection

    . This assembly of pottery is a testament to an enduring legacy, where ancient techniques meet sophisticated artistry. Each ceramic piece, with its intricate patterns and symbolic motifs, provides a tangible connection to the ancestral roots of the region. It is this seamless blend of high fine art and traditional folk craft that makes UDLAP truly unique—it does not merely present art; it presents a culture. Whether through a rotating exhibition of contemporary installations or a deep dive into colonial ceramics, the museum remains a dynamic center for cultural engagement, ensuring that the artistic spirit of Mexico continues to inspire, provoke, and enchant generations to come.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Dos caballos

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/heriberto-juarez-dos-caballos-D7BC3U-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Juárez, Heriberto. Dos caballos. 1999, Fundación Universidad de las Américas Puebla. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/heriberto-juarez-dos-caballos-D7BC3U-en/
    APA
    Juárez, Heriberto (1999). Dos caballos [Painting]. Fundación Universidad de las Américas Puebla. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/heriberto-juarez-dos-caballos-D7BC3U-en/
    Chicago
    Heriberto Juárez. Dos caballos. 1999. Fundación Universidad de las Américas Puebla. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/heriberto-juarez-dos-caballos-D7BC3U-en/
    Harvard
    Juárez, Heriberto (1999) Dos caballos. Fundación Universidad de las Américas Puebla. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/heriberto-juarez-dos-caballos-D7BC3U-en/

    Look closely

    Dos caballos — Heriberto Juárez

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: horses, red horse, blue horse. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at Caballo (1999), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. Contemporary Abstraction: Abstraction built strictly from squares, circles and straight edges rather than free gesture. Where can you see that in this work?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Questions & Answers

    What atmosphere would a reproduction of "Dos caballos" by Heriberto Juárez bring to a room?

    "Dos caballos" by Heriberto Juárez has a bold atmosphere and is recommended for a living room. The mood is what the work brings to the space around it.

    What emotion does the Contemporary Abstraction work "Dos caballos" convey?

    "Dos caballos" carries a dramatic emotional tone within the Contemporary Abstraction movement.

    How do the colors of "Dos caballos" by Heriberto Juárez relate to its emotion?

    "Dos caballos" by Heriberto Juárez combines a pastels palette with a dramatic tone.