Photographic Postcard Commemorating Antonio Verástegui

Abstract

A postcard commemorating a young “martyr” of Mexico’s Cristero War named Antonio Verástegu engages the spectator in an act of witnessing that entails both religious and political consequences. By creating an audience for Veràstegui’s suffering, the image looks to consolidate and legitimize this unofficial martyr cult but also to foster community bonds and perhaps even inspire imitation of his exemplary sacrifice.