Aztec Empire Collection

The Conquest of Tenochtitlan, from the Conquest of Mexico series (oil on panel)
BAL82571 The Conquest of Tenochtitlan, from the Conquest of Mexico series (oil on panel) by Spanish School, (17th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Hernan Cortes (engraving)
815879 Hernan Cortes (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Hernan Fernando Cortes (1485-1547)

Suit of armour belonging to Hernan Cortes
2910696 Suit of armour belonging to Hernan Cortes; (add.info.: Suit of armour belonging to Hernan Cortes (1485-1547); Spanish Conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec

Medal issued to Hernando Cortes
2910678 Medal issued to Hernando Cortes; (add.info.: Medal issued to Hernan Cortes (1485- 1547); Spanish Conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire

Suit of armour belonging to Hernan Cortes
2910675 Suit of armour belonging to Hernan Cortes; (add.info.: Suit of armour belonging to Hernan Cortes (1485-1547); Spanish Conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec

BRAUN, George (1541-1622). ORTELIUS, Abraham (1527-1598). HOGENBERG, Franz (1535-1590)
CUL4853288 BRAUN, George (1541-1622). ORTELIUS, Abraham (1527-1598). HOGENBERG, Franz (1535-1590). Civitatis Orbis Terrarum (Theatrum orbis terrarum). 1572-1617. Mexico City (1576)

Coat of arms belonging to Hernando Cortes
2910679 Coat of arms belonging to Hernando Cortes; (add.info.: Coat of arms belonging to Hernando Cortes (1485 -1547); Spanish Conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec

Hernan Cortes meeting Montezuma II in 1519, 19th century (print)
3434841 Hernan Cortes meeting Montezuma II in 1519, 19th century (print) by Gallina, Gallo (1796-1874); (add.info.: Handcoloured copperplate print by Ant)

Ancient Carvings Aztec Eagle Warriors Palace, Templo Mayor, Mexico City, Mexico. Great Aztec Temple created from 1325 to 1521

The Spanish move inland to encounter snow on the road, 1698 (oil on cork) (detail)
IND388223 The Spanish move inland to encounter snow on the road, 1698 (oil on cork) (detail) by Gonzalez, Miguel (fl.1698); Museo de America, Madrid, Spain; (add.info.: Spanish conquest of Mexico)

Battle of Michoacan between the Spanish and the Aztecs, illustration from a facsimile of a Mexican Indian picture
CHT163947 Battle of Michoacan between the Spanish and the Aztecs, illustration from a facsimile of a Mexican Indian picture history Lienzo de Tlaxcala of c.1550

Hernan Cortes, Spanish conquistador (engraving)
3647451 Hernan Cortes, Spanish conquistador (engraving) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Hernan Cortes (1485-1547), Spanish conquistador

Hernan Cortes, Spanish conquistador (engraving)
3638251 Hernan Cortes, Spanish conquistador (engraving) by Vertue, George (1684-1756) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Hernan Cortes (1485-1547), Spanish conquistador

Montezuma II, Aztec Emperor (engraving)
3647429 Montezuma II, Aztec Emperor (engraving) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Montezuma II (c1460-1520), Aztec Emperor

Cortes and the Conquest of Mexico, 1897 (chromolithograph)
2622159 Cortes and the Conquest of Mexico, 1897 (chromolithograph) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Entrance of Cortez into Mexico, pub. 1890 (colour litho)
2646285 Entrance of Cortez into Mexico, pub. 1890 (colour litho) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: HernAan (Hernando) CortA©s (1485-1547)

The Burning of the Idols by Hernan Cortes, illustration from a facsimile of a Mexican
CHT163948 The Burning of the Idols by Hernan Cortes, illustration from a facsimile of a Mexican Indian picture history Lienzo de Tlaxcala of c.1550, 1892 (colour engraving) by Mexican School

Hernan Cortes, Spanish conquistador (chromolitho)
972217 Hernan Cortes, Spanish conquistador (chromolitho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Hernan Cortes (1485-1547), Spanish conquistador who conquered Mexico

Moctezuma II, Aztec emperor C015 / 5791
Moctezuma II (c.1466-1520), Aztec emperor. Moctezuma was the ruler (tlatoani) of Tenochtitlan (present-day Mexico City), then the centre of the Aztec Empire (Triple Alliance)

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"The Rise and Fall of the Aztec Empire: A Tale of Conquest and Destruction" The Conquest of Tenochtitlan, from the Conquest of Mexico series (oil on panel), depicts a pivotal moment in history when Hernan Cortes and his Spanish conquistadors overcame the mighty Aztec capital. The ancient carvings at Templo Mayor, Mexico City, showcase the fierce Aztec Eagle Warriors who defended their palace with unwavering loyalty. In 1698, as the Spanish moved inland towards new conquests, they encountered an unexpected obstacle - snow-covered roads. This detail from an oil painting on cork highlights the challenges faced by these intrepid explorers. However, not all encounters were peaceful. The engraving depicting the Massacre of Aztec warriors and nobles at Cholula reveals the brutal nature of Cortes' campaign. Despite this bloodshed, illustrations like that from Battle of Michoacan provide glimpses into a Mexican Indian picture history known as Lienzo de Tlaxcala; preserving aspects of indigenous culture amidst conflict. Hernan Cortes himself remains a central figure throughout this narrative. Engravings capture his determined spirit as he led his men to victory while Montezuma II's engraved image portrays him as both ruler and victim caught between two worlds. Artistic interpretations such as "Cortes and the Conquest of Mexico" or "Entrance of Cortez into Mexico" offer colorful depictions that bring to life key moments in this tumultuous era. Meanwhile, "The Burning of Idols" illustrates how Hernan Cortes sought to eradicate native religious practices during colonization. Through these engravings and paintings spanning centuries, we are transported back in time to witness firsthand one chapter in human history where empires clashed with devastating consequences for one civilization while forever altering another's destiny.