Tula the Ancient Capital of Mexico 

Thomas Moran produced "Tula the Ancient Capital of Mexico" in oil on canvas, as part of a trend in the late 19th century to document the American landscape and ancient ruins. Moran’s romantic depiction creates meaning through visual codes and historical associations. It emphasizes the picturesqueness of the ancient Mesoamerican site. The work's creation occurred during a period of increasing interest in pre-Columbian civilizations, fueled by archeological discoveries and a growing sense of national identity in Mexico. Moran’s painting may have been influenced by this cultural milieu, depicting the ancient city as both majestic and timeless, inviting viewers to contemplate the rise and fall of civilizations. To fully understand this artwork, the historian might explore travelogues, archeological reports, and the history of Mexican national identity in order to assess the role of visual representation in shaping public perceptions of the past. Ultimately, this artwork’s meaning is contingent on the cultural and institutional context in which it was created and received.