Montezuma Receiving Tribute In this drawing, Montezuma (seated at left) is receiving a rich array of featherwork, ritualistic costumes, battle shields, and other luxuries from one of his subjects. Made by a Mexican artist in the mid-sixteenth century, the drawing illustrates the enormous power and respect that Montezuma commanded. By the time the drawing was made, the Spaniards, not Montezuma’s descendants, collected tribute (mostly labor) from the Indians. Biblioteca Medicea-Laurenziana, Florence, Italy/The Bridgeman Art Library.