Malintzin Image

This image depicts Malintzin center stage, attractive, noble and in front of Cortes appearing as a conduit to converse with the natives and Cortes.  Townsend would agree that this was an accurate depiction of her role in the Spanish Conquest.  Townsend stated that in many of these depictions "she is beautiful, larger than life--most often larger than Cortes" and clearly that is also the case with this image. (75)  In fact, this image is similar to the one that is also found in Townsend's book.  Townsend describes a scene much like the one above, with only minor variances in detail.  Townsend stated that Malintzin was often shown to wear "European footwear" and that looks as though it is also true in this image. (75)

The image also depicts the natives perhaps the Tlaxcalans offering food to Cortes as a measure for peace in which Townsend stated that Malintzin played a crucial role.  Cortes needed this alliance to become successful in the conquest.  Townsend mentioned that the natives would often offer turkey and women to Cortes to ensure this peace and again the image above portrays the offering of turkey, but lacks the depiction of women in this particular image.  

Lastly, Cortes and two men mounted on horses who appear to be dressed for conflict if necessary subtly reveals that there were not many Spanish and further emphasizes Cortes' need for an alliance if he is to be successful in his endeavor.  Townsend said that "Malintzin literally stood at the heart of these negotiations".(63)  Malintzin with her understanding of her own people, coupled with her ability to acquire the Spanish language was successful in making this alliance and without her Cortes would have been hard pressed to achieve such an alliance.