ANTIQUE COPPER ENGRAVING MEXICO CORTES MONTEZUMA MOTEZUMA 1830 SOUTH AMERICA

Description: ORIGINAL 19TH CENTURY COPPER ENGRAVING: AUTHOR: J MYNDETITLE: THE INTERVIEW OF CORTES AND MOTEZUMA IN THE CITY OF MEXICO DATE: Not dated but c.1830EDITION: Not statedSIZE: Sheet Size: 25.2cm x 40.7cm DESCRIPTION: Ready to frame. Very minor age toning and marks else very nice and clean. In near fine, clean condition overall. POST-FREE IN THE UK. LOCATION: MAP DRAWER C: FS: FOLDER: SA1010"The Interview of Cortés and Moctezuma in the City of Mexico" refers to the historic meeting between the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés and the Aztec emperor Moctezuma II (often spelled Montezuma), which took place in Tenochtitlán (the capital of the Aztec Empire, modern-day Mexico City) in November 1519. This event is one of the most dramatic and significant encounters in the history of the Americas, as it marked the beginning of the downfall of the Aztec Empire and the establishment of Spanish colonial rule in Mexico.Context of the Meeting Hernán Cortés: Cortés was a Spanish explorer and conquistador who led an expedition that ultimately resulted in the conquest of the Aztec Empire. He arrived in the Yucatán Peninsula in 1519 and, after forming alliances with various indigenous groups, marched towards Tenochtitlán. Moctezuma II: Moctezuma II was the ninth emperor of the Aztec Empire. At the time of Cortés' arrival, he ruled over a vast and powerful empire that dominated much of central Mexico. However, the empire also had many enemies, which would later play into Cortés' hands. The Meeting Location: The meeting took place in Tenochtitlán, which was an awe-inspiring city built on an island in Lake Texcoco. The city was highly advanced, with a complex system of canals, causeways, and impressive architecture, including the Great Pyramid of Tenochtitlán (the Templo Mayor). Date: The initial meeting between Cortés and Moctezuma occurred on November 8, 1519. Significance: The encounter is often depicted as a moment of mutual curiosity, with Cortés and Moctezuma each representing vastly different civilisations. According to various historical accounts, including those of Bernal Díaz del Castillo, a soldier in Cortés' expedition, Moctezuma came out to greet Cortés with great ceremony, presenting him with gifts and welcoming him into the city. Some sources suggest that Moctezuma initially believed Cortés might be the god Quetzalcoatl, who, according to Aztec prophecy, was expected to return from the east. Cultural Exchange: The meeting was marked by a dramatic cultural exchange. The Aztecs, who were highly ritualistic, greeted Cortés with reverence, while the Spanish were struck by the wealth and sophistication of the city. However, the differences in worldview and the Spanish ambitions for conquest soon led to tensions. Consequences Moctezuma's Captivity: Not long after their initial meeting, Cortés took Moctezuma hostage in his own palace. The Spaniards hoped to control the empire through Moctezuma, but this strategy ultimately backfired. Moctezuma's authority weakened, and the Aztec people began to see him as a puppet of the Spaniards. Fall of Tenochtitlán: The tension eventually led to open conflict. After a series of battles, including the famous Noche Triste (the Night of Sorrows), where the Spanish were forced to flee the city, Cortés regrouped with his indigenous allies and laid siege to Tenochtitlán. The city fell to the Spanish in August 1521, marking the end of the Aztec Empire. Legacy: The meeting between Cortés and Moctezuma is a symbol of the clash between two great civilisations. It represents the beginning of the end for the Aztec Empire and the start of centuries of Spanish dominance in the region. Moctezuma's role in the encounter is often viewed as tragic—caught between his reverence for tradition and the overwhelming force of the Spanish conquest. Artistic Depictions This historic encounter has been depicted in numerous artworks, literature, and historical accounts over the centuries. These depictions often emphasize the grandeur of Tenochtitlán, the dramatic differences between the Spanish and Aztec cultures, and the tragic consequences of the meeting for Moctezuma and his people. Postage will not increase for multiple purchases in the UK. Free, tracked postage in the UK. For applicable overseas locations we use the Ebay Global Shipping Program. If buying multiple items from overseas please contact us to arrange shipping prior to placing an order. Please view our other listings or make an appointment to visit us. Trading since 1976 in Ripon, North Yorkshire, Hornseys’ specialises in fine quality products across many different ranges.

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End Time: 2025-01-20T14:43:45.000Z

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