Storming of the Teocalli by Cortez and His Troops 1848

Emanuel Leutze's 1848 painting, "Storming of the Teocalli by Cortez and His Troops," depicts the dramatic and violent conquest of the Aztec Empire by the Spanish conquistadors. The painting captures the chaos of the battle, showing both the Spanish and Aztec forces locked in combat. Leutze’s depiction highlights the contrast between the two groups, with the Spanish appearing disciplined and organized in their armor, while the Aztec warriors are portrayed as more chaotic and primal. This portrayal of Aztec culture was a common misconception of the time. The painting, a notable example of 19th-century history painting, offers a glimpse into a crucial moment in world history, capturing the brutality and struggle of colonization.