Hernán Cortés wordt door Montezuma ontvangen 1704 - 1727

Jan Goeree made this drawing depicting Hernán Cortés being received by Montezuma using pen and brown ink, with a brush in grey and brown, around the turn of the 18th century. The artist employed a variety of wash techniques to create the image, from the even tone of the architecture in the background, to the meticulously applied layers of shadow that add depth to the figures in the foreground. The contrast between these figures and their surroundings highlights the historic moment. Looking closely, we see the delicate lines and textures achieved with the pen, adding to the image a sense of both detail and movement. The cross-hatching is particularly evident on the clothing of the figures, enhancing the rich visual tapestry. Goeree's piece offers insight into how the events were perceived at the time through the depiction of labor, power, and the meeting of different worlds. It invites us to reflect on the role of materials, the making process, and historical context in understanding this artwork.