Talavera

Claudia Zapata is a specialist in Latinx and Chicanx Art with a Ph.D. in Art History from Southern Methodist University. 

The Talavera design on Zapata’s cow is based on Mexican pottery from the 16th century, brought to the country by Spanish makers. The designs are typically a rich blue against white and beige derived from Northern African and Muslim designs that did not have figuration. This earthenware is common in San Antonio’s ceramic industries in the home, garden, and decorative spaces. It shows the diversity of artistic inspiration from Mexico and other international countries.