Mandala drawing of Mexican National Emblem

Ramiro Valazquez Rodriguez.jpg

Dublin Core

Title

Description

Based upon an Aztec story, the Mexican coat of arms depicts a golden eagle perched upon a prickly pear cactus devouring a snake. The founding of Tenochtitlan, the island at Mexico City's center, had been prophesied to the Aztecs by traveling until they saw an eagle--symbol of the sun god Huitzilopochtli--upon an opuntia. The presence of a serpent in this story may have been due to a European mis-translation, but regardless it was adopted as the national emblem appearing on flags, passports, and official state documents.

The drawing by Rodriguez places this traditional tableau in the foreground, and suggests that his home may have been in Mexico.

Creator

Rodriguez, Ramiro Valázquez

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Contributor

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Format

Type

Still Image Item Type Metadata

Original Format

Drawing

Physical Dimensions

12 x 12 in.

Geolocation