Tlaxcaltec Collection

MS Hunter 242 f. 247r Christopher Columbus, illustration from the from
617894 MS Hunter 242 f.247r Christopher Columbus, illustration from the from Historia de Tlaxcala by Diego Munoz Camargo (pen & ink on paper) by Mexican School

MS Hunter 242 f. 249v Philip II seated on horseback, wearing the order of the Golden
617897 MS Hunter 242 f.249v Philip II seated on horseback, wearing the order of the Golden Fleece, surrounded by men-at-arms

MS Hunter 242 f. 248r Picarus, or Pizarro, and war horse
617895 MS Hunter 242 f.248r Picarus, or Pizarro, and war horse, illustration from the from Historia de Tlaxcala by Diego Munoz Camargo (pen & ink on paper) by Mexican School

MS Hunter 242 f. 246v, Cortes on Horseback, standing over the defeated Aztec King
615964 MS Hunter 242 f.246v, Cortes on Horseback, standing over the defeated Aztec King Moctezuma, illustration from the from Historia de Tlaxcala by Diego Munoz Camargo (pen & ink on paper)

MS Hunter 242 f. 248v Picarus (Pizarro) presents Peru and Cortesius (Cortes) Nueva Espana
617896 MS Hunter 242 f.248v Picarus (Pizarro) presents Peru and Cortesius (Cortes) Nueva Espana, illustration from the from Historia de Tlaxcala by Diego Munoz Camargo (pen & ink on paper)

MS Hunter 242, insert fol. 177-178 (pen & ink on paper)
3530944 MS Hunter 242, insert fol.177-178 (pen & ink on paper) by Mexican School, (16th century); Glasgow University Library

MEXICO: SPANISH CONQUEST. Aztec drawing of an event in the Spanish conquest of Mexico during the expedition of Nuno de Guzman (left) in 1530

MEXICO: HERNANDO CORTES welcomed with gifts by Tlaxcaltec natives who believed him to be the god Quetzalcoatl incarnate, 1519. From the Lienzo de Tlaxcala canvas

Illustration of Tlaxcaltec leaving city with horses and flaming torch

HERNANDO CORTES, 1519. Cortes (center), his conquistador Bernal Diaz, and a band of Tlaxcaltecs marching to Tenochtitlan (present-day Mexico City) in 1519. From the Lienzo de Tlaxcala canvas

HERNANDO CORTES and a Tlaxcaltec chief supervise native Indians building boats for Cortes and his men to sail against Tenochtitlan, 1521. Aztec drawing

MEXICO: TLAXCALTEC INDIANS. Mexican painting of Tlaxcaltec tribesmen, 16th century

SPANISH CONQUEST, 1519. Hernando Cortes (center), his conquistador Bernal Diaz, and a band of Tlaxcaltecs marching to Tenochtitlan (present-day Mexico City) in 1519

SPANISH CONQUEST, 1519. Hernando Cortes welcomed with gifts by Tlaxcaltec native Indians who believed him to be the god Quetzalcoatl incarnate, 1519. From the Lienzo de Tlaxcala canvas

SPANISH CONQUEST, 1521. Hernando Cortes and a Tlaxcaltec chief supervise natives in building boats for Cortes and his men to sail against Tenochtitlan in 1521. Contemporary Aztec drawing

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The Tlaxcaltec people, also known as the Tlaxcalans, were a significant indigenous group in Mexico during the time of Spanish conquest. Their history and culture are vividly depicted in various illustrations found in MS Hunter 242. One such illustration, found on f. 241r, is from the Historia de Tlaxcala by Diego Munoz Camargo. This pen and ink drawing showcases a scene that captures the essence of the Tlaxcaltec civilization. It portrays their way of life, their customs, and their interactions with nature. Another image on f. 242v sheds light on an unfortunate aspect of this period - punishment and justice for converts who had reverted to idolatrous ways. The illustration highlights the complexities faced by those who embraced Christianity but struggled to fully abandon their traditional beliefs. Moving forward to f. 247r, we encounter an intriguing depiction of Christopher Columbus himself. This artwork serves as a reminder that while Spain was conquering new territories across the Atlantic Ocean, explorers like Columbus played a pivotal role in shaping world history. On f. 249v, we witness Philip II seated majestically on horseback while wearing the prestigious order of the Golden Fleece around his neck. This symbolizes his authority over vast territories including those inhabited by indigenous groups like the Tlaxcaltecs. Meanwhile, Picarus (Pizarro) and Cortesius (Cortes) take center stage on f. 248r alongside war horses - powerful symbols representing conquest and dominance during this era. Focusing our attention now on f. 246v reveals an iconic moment when Hernando Cortes triumphantly stands over defeated Aztec King Montezuma II while mounted on horseback – an image forever etched into history books as a testament to Spanish victory over one of Mesoamerica's greatest empires.