Voorstellingen van Mexicaanse offerfeesten 1722

This engraving, "Voorstellingen van Mexicaanse offerfeesten," was made by Bernard Picart around the turn of the 18th century. It offers a glimpse into how European artists of the time interpreted and depicted the rituals of Mexican cultures. Through Picart’s eyes we see the representation of a Mexica ceremony of sacrifice to Quetzalcoatl, and beneath it, a scene of a hunt presided over by a divinity. Picart was working during a period of intense colonial engagement, and his images reflect the era’s fascination with the "New World," as well as its biases. Consider how Picart's work stands as a historical artifact, revealing more about European perceptions of foreign cultures than about the cultures themselves. Reflect on the power dynamics inherent in representation and the lasting impact of colonial narratives on our understanding of history and identity.