Observation:
This painting depicts Hernan Cortes, his consort La Malinche, and the chief of the Tlaxcalan, Xicoténcatl; it is painted by an unknown artist on tiles. The colors from the artwork probaby came from minerals found in the earth. This painting is preserved in the sacristy in The Church of San Andrés Ahuahuaxtepec.
Interpretation:
Hernan Cortes came to Mexico in the name of Christianity. He is known for bringing Catholicism to this land. Although originally at war with the Tlaxcalan, Xicotencatl decided it would be better to ally with the Spanish and fight together to beat the Aztecs. This painting depicts Cortes and Dona Marina in exquisite clothing. The way they are walking also shows that Xicotencatl respected Cortes- at least in the painter's eyes.
Judgement:
The fact that the painter chose to put it in one of the most sacred parts of the church-the sacristy- also says that Cortes was a respected man. The artist must have connected newly found Christianity with Cortes and Marina, and somehow felt compelled to paint this tribute to him in the church. However, another part of me thinks that maybe the painter was recording history- since the churches were built to also be fortresses, maybe he thought that the sacristy was the best place to put this piece of history, since it would probably be the least likely to be destroyed. I feel that the painter must have painted this from memory, since it is almost like a photograph.
Questions:
AH, Mr (Or Miss) Artist, what was in your mind when you painted this? Do I have it all wrong? Is this the chief taking La Malinche and the Conquistador prisoner? Why is Hernan's hat on the ground? Why did you choose to paint this in the sacristy? How did they convince you to become Christian? Were you an outsider looking at the three walk down the road, or did you know something?
Summary:
This painting still stands in Mexico today, in the church. I would love to go view it in person.
