Hernán Cortés and Malintzin Meet Montezuma at Tenochtitlán, 1519

This image, depicting Cortés and Malintzin meeting Montezuma in November 1519, is one of eighty illustrations from a sixteenth-century mural cycle detailing the conquest of Mexico and its aftermath. The originals were painted by Tlaxcalan artists and represent an Indian perspective on these events. Malintzin is standing between Cortés (seated) and Montezuma (in gold robe). The Spanish and Aztec leaders are accompanied by leading warriors.