Artwork
Conquest of Mexico, Tablet 22
Conquest of Mexico, Tablet 22 is an unspecified painting by Miguel Gonzales. It dates from 1685 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Fine Arts, Argentina.
About this work
Overview
Conquest of Mexico, Tablet 22 is an oil painting attributed to the Spanish‑American artist Miguel Gonzales, dated to around 1685. The work measures roughly a modest size and is part of the collection of the National Museum of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires. It presents a densely populated scene that combines terrestrial combat with maritime elements, reflecting a narrative of colonial encounter.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a multitude of figures clothed in white, locked in a violent confrontation that suggests a moment of conquest. Behind them, ships bearing a prominent red flag loom on the horizon, linking the land battle to a broader imperial expedition. The juxtaposition of armed natives and European symbols conveys the clash of cultures inherent in the Spanish conquest of Mexico.
Technique & Style
Gonzales employs a rich palette, layering varied hues to model space and give the crowded foreground a sense of depth. Fine brushwork renders individual faces and armor, while broader strokes suggest movement among the troops. The detailed rendering of ships and flags in the background demonstrates a careful balance between narrative clarity and atmospheric perspective.
History & Provenance
Created in the late seventeenth century, the painting entered the National Museum of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires during the early twentieth century, though the exact acquisition path remains undocumented. Its presence in the museum’s collection highlights the institution’s interest in works that illustrate the visual culture of Spanish colonial expansion.
Artist & collection
Museum
National Museum of Fine Arts, Argentina
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