Voorstellingen van gevangenen en een tempel in Mexico 1722

Bernard Picart created this print, "Representations of prisoners and a temple in Mexico," in the 18th century. It offers a glimpse into how European artists of the time depicted the Americas, reflecting the era's colonial gaze. The print presents scenes of captivity and conflict alongside an image of the Templo Mayor in Mexico City. It invites us to consider the power dynamics at play when one culture attempts to represent another. What stories are being told here, and whose perspectives are centered? The scenes of prisoners evoke a sense of vulnerability and subjugation, while the depiction of the temple hints at the rich cultural and religious life of pre-colonial Mexico. This work encourages us to reflect on the emotional and psychological impacts of colonialism, and how these historical encounters continue to shape our understanding of identity and cultural heritage today.