Cortes' Invasion of Mexico (Cortes Before Tenochtitlan)
Artist/Maker
Peter Frederick Rothermel
(United States, 1817-1895)
Date1846
Mediumoil on canvas
DimensionsSight: 36 1/2 x 47 1/2 in. (92.7 x 120.7 cm)
Framed: 42 5/8 x 53 3/4 x 2 1/2 in. (108.3 x 136.5 x 6.4 cm)
Framed: 42 5/8 x 53 3/4 x 2 1/2 in. (108.3 x 136.5 x 6.4 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineMuseum purchase through 1987 Acquisition Funds
Terms
Object number87.0003
DescriptionRothermel’s didactic painting recalls the invasion of Mexico in 1519 by the Spanish conquistador Cortes. Accompanied by an impressive retinue of men, artillery, ships, and horses, Cortes, who first landed in Vera Cruz, was received as a god by the native population. After conquering several independent republics, he set out through the interior for the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, with 600 natives as well as a small force of Spaniards. Believed to be a descendent of the sun, he was received with great honor by the great Aztec leader, Montezuma.On View
Not on viewCollections