This mural painting, entitled “Brotherhood” (""La Fraternidad"") by Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo (1899 – 1991) has at the center a large fire in red, surrounded by human figures with interlaced arms. At the left is a large dark Mexican pyramid and on the right is a structure. Tamayo said “Brotherhood” was in the spirit of the United Nations, which stands for peace among the peoples of the world. He added, there is no better symbol for love than fire which is an important symbol in his work. The figures are “to make sure we all belong to the only valid race, which is the human race.” The pyramid structure at the left represents the past, as a Mexican touch, and the right is the present and future with a lofty construction.  The artist said, “I try to represent time, I should say rather, eternity, in which I hope brotherhood will prevail”. 

During a five-year period, 2009 – 2015, the mural was on display at the Mexican state legislature for four years and then was restored in 2014 – 2015 before being returned to the United Nations. 

Tamayo was born in the southern state of Oaxaca, Mexico and received his education in the Mexico City Academy of Fine Arts. He is the recipient of many awards and prizes, and his work is widely exhibited. He was one of the first Latin American artists to participate in the muralist movement that flourished in the 1920s to 1970s. 

The Foreign Minister of Mexico, Emilio O. Rabasa, presented the painting to the United Nations in 1971. Secretary-General U Thant accepted the gift on behalf of the United Nations. The artist was in attendance and explained the content and symbolism of his painting.
At the ceremony U Thant said, “The divisive factors in international life so frequently command my full attention that I find it beneficial and reassuring to pause occasionally and think upon the harmonizing force of the arts.”