Alfredo Martinez is best known for his modern Mexican paintings and murals. His work did not directly reflect traditional Mexican art nor did it embrace the European modernist movements of the time, but rather his unique style was based on his heritage and his thorough academic background.

Born in Monterey, Mexico in 1871, Martinez remained there for his early education. He then studied at the Academia Nacional de Belles Artes in Mexico City between 1884 and 1892. As a young artist Martinez caught the attention of American, Phoebe Hearst who arranged financial support for him to study abroad. Martinez studied, lived and worked in Paris, France, and was eventually able to support himself after he received an award for one o...