Painting of naked Mexican revolutionary hero unleashes controversy

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - A painting depicting Mexican revolutionary hero Emiliano Zapata naked but for high heels and a pink sombrero, astride an aroused white horse, has sparked controversy in socially conservative Mexico, prompting protests that briefly flared into violence.

Zapata is widely considered a national hero and especially revered in rural Mexico. He helped sweep away the hacienda system in the early 20th century, replacing it with small holdings and land collectives.