Bernadino de Sahagún (1499–1590) was a Franciscan brother and a university-trained Renaissance scholar. His scholarly background was reflected in the meticulous research that went into his Historia General de las Cosas de Nueva España, an encyclopedia of Aztec society, culture, and religion. The Historia was very much a collaborative effort. Sahagún gathered his information through countless interviews with Aztec informants, and then included those informants in his revision process, asking them to check the accuracy and completeness of his work. Moreover, the Historia features over 2,000 illustrations created by native artists. In this one, Malintzin stands between the Spanish and the Indians, dressed in Indian clothing, but not clearly a member of either group. As you examine the image, think about how it compares to the other three depictions of Malintzin included in this activity. Whose side, if any, does she seem to be on?
(Ms Palat. 218–220 Book IX, Marina interpreting for the Spaniards at a meeting between Hernán Cortes and Montezuma [1466–1520], from the “Florentine Codex” by Bernardino de Sahagún [ca. 1540–1585], Spanish School [16th century]/Biblioteca Medicea-Laurenziana, Florence, Italy/The Bridgeman Art Library)