Born in Guanajuato, Mexico, Rivera studied art in Europe, where he was exposed to the burgeoning Cubist movement and the works of the Old Masters. Upon returning to Mexico, he became a central figure in the government-sponsored mural program, which sought to create a national identity through public art.

Rivera is celebrated for his complex, narrative-driven frescoes that often depicted the history, social struggles, and industrial progress of Mexico. His work typically utilizes a bold, figurative style and vibrant color palettes, executed on a monumental scale in public buildings and institutions.

His legacy remains a cornerstone of 20th-century art history, frequently discussed in the context of the Mexican Muralist movement and his enduring influence on global modernism. His work continues to be studied alongside his contemporaries, including his wife, Frida Kahlo, in major international museum surveys.