1595 Petrus Alvaradus Missus Ab Antonio de Mendozzain Sibollae provinciam, cum plerisque e suis a Xaliscanis occiditur

By: Theodor de Bry

Date: 1595 (Published) Frankfurt

Dimensions: 6 x 7.5 inches (15.24 x 19 cm)

This early engraving by Theodoro de Bry depicts Conquistador Pedro Alvarado in the battle which resulted in his death.

En route to the Moluccas, Alvarado stopped in Mexico where he was strongly influenced by the viceroy Antonio de Mendoza, who persuaded him to undertake a search for the fabled Cibola. The Native Americans of Jalisco , the Chichimecs, revolted against the Spanish in 1541 in the Mixtón War. While leading Spanish forces against the Chichimecs, Alvarado was mowed down by a tree trunk or boulder which the defenders were rolling down from their hilltop stronghold. Alvarado was pinned under his horse, resulting in his death. The Latin text below the scene describes the encounter and states that when asked where he felt pain, Alvarado said in his "soul".

This work was published by Theodor de Bry and is derived from the second part of Girolamo Benzoni’s Historia del mondo nuovo, Venice, 1565.

Condition: This black and white engraving with even toning is in A condition. 

Inventory #11159

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