Edward E. Ayer Collection by Jelena Sanchez https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96 Rereading the Black Legend en-us 2019-02-12 21:07:23 UTC 2025-12-04 14:17:37 UTC hello@padlet.com Second letter by Cortes - Joey Resko https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/330626023 The artifact from the Newberry Library that I found most interesting was Cartas de relacion.  The artifact is the map that is illustrated in the book by Cortes in 1524.  The map is from Cortes’ second letter to the King and illustrates a depiction of the new land.  This copy of Cortes’ map is a Latin edition and is one of two color editions of the map.
I was absolutely amazed by the artwork of the map in Cortes’ book.  The amount of detail that was put into the illustration is incredible.  I love the use of bright and vibrant colors that depict land and water in the map.  It was really interesting to learn that there is only one other colored edition of this map in Vienna.  I talked with the historian at the library and she explained that there is a lot of symbolism within the map and I found that to be very interesting to learn.  She was able to share a lot of great information about all of the pieces and I appreciated that she took the time to answer my questions.  I also felt the pages of the map and the texture of the paper was really fun to feel.  It was very delicate and fragile.
I was amazed how well preserved the Newberry Library keeps their historic documents.  It was really enjoyable to explore the part of the library where all the historic documents are kept.  It is truly incredible how much history is located in one place.

]]> 2019-02-13 01:00:25 UTC https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/330626023 Official letter concerning Muslim and Turkish prisoners dareyo91 https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/330636731 At first, I chose these documents because of the beautiful yet ambiguous handwriting because I do struggle with penmanship. However analyzing these vital documents begins with the reason for creation. There were Moor and Turkish citizens that were being transferred to work but in the document, it specifies they were enslaved. This was during the inquisition, around 1727 where these people were imprisoned based off their religious affiliations . They were made to work in the Spanish galleys, which was the navy of the Spanish where they held the most power in terms of Mediterranean power. Also, Commanders such as Joseph de los Rios and others were part of this situation which meant this was an important transition for these slaves and for the Navy.]]> 2019-02-13 01:47:21 UTC https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/330636731 Theodorus De Bryo Engravings--Carissa Hollin https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/330654703 What had stood out to me the most while at the Newberry library was the illustrations by Theodorus De Bryo. I found his engravings in both, “America pars qvarta” and “Narratio Regivnm Indicarvm Per Hispanos qvosdam deuastatarum verissima”. Both of these engravings reminded me of the image that was in, “Rereading of the Black Legend”, and that is why they stood out to me. These images all depicted though a very similar stance of the Spaniards being cruel to the the indigenous people. Because both of these books had very similar images, it showed that Theodorus had very strong feelings against the Spaniards because he kept creating these cruel images. Also, with each piece he had in the book, I think the readers at the time finishing the book would shape their opinions in favor of Theodorus because of the several images recreating the same idea throughout the book.  


]]> 2019-02-13 03:20:53 UTC https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/330654703 Bartolome de las Casas and De Bry depiction of early Spanish Settlers-Caileb Carmichael https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/330832111 The images that I found the most interesting were found in Bartolome De Lass Casas’ Narratio Regionvm Indicarvm Per Hispanos qvosdam deuastatarum verissima : priùs quidem per Episcopum Bartholomæum Casaum natione Hispanum Hispanicè conscripta & Anno 1551, which included the two engravings shown by De Bry. These works of art show the abhorrent cruelty believed to be perpetrated by early Spanish colonists. These works of art also contribute to the Black Legend as it portrays these settlers as barbaric cannibals who feast on women and children. The thing that struck me the most was the work’s ability to invoke a reaction against the early settlers; however, after speaking with the historian at the library as well as Dr. Sanchez, it is believed that many of these depictions have since been debunked.  When viewing these works, it is hard to image the cruelties suffered by natives at the hands of the settlers and what is troublesome is that people at the time had no way of fact checking the representations of the settlers so the reputation was able to stick, leading to the Black Legend. 

]]> 2019-02-13 14:59:46 UTC https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/330832111 https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/330833264 2019-02-13 15:01:22 UTC https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/330833264 Tlaxcalan Documents from the Monarchs -Chris Neill https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/330952561 These documents were sent from the monarchy of Spain to the Tlaxcalan indians under Spanish conquest, outlining rights for the Indians allowing them to form their own government among other proclamations. What surprised me most about these documents were the amazing artworks that were presented on the covers. In today’s world we wouldn’t see anything like this in transmissions between governments in our digital age. The intricate details in the artwork are impressive, as well as the overall condition of the colored pigments for being hundreds of years old. It was also very interesting to see the style of signatures of the Spanish monarchs and how they have evolved over time to the modern signatures we see today.]]> 2019-02-13 18:07:46 UTC https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/330952561 Cartas de relacion- Leah Erb https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/330989609 The historical item that I found most interesting was the Cartas de relacion, which was an illustration of a map from Cortes' second letter to the King. It was fascinating to see how vibrant the colors of the map were over centuries; it must have been taken care of very well. I never seen a map that draws the buildings flat and in a circular formation like in this work; it has much colorful symbolism that represents different aspects of the map. I enjoyed that we were allowed to look through the books and documents while at the library, each artifact contained much history and culture within each page.]]> 2019-02-13 19:08:17 UTC https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/330989609 De Bry Engavings of Native Americans-Madysen Nardi https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331095841 This historical item was from "Brevísima relación de la destrucción de las Indias". The engraving illustration depicts the Spanish torturing the indigenous peoples in the 16th century of Las Casas.  What was important to note is that this was just a representation of the indigenous people because De Bry has never seen them before. I found this interesting because it entails hatred and superiority over the native people from the Spaniards. This depicts propaganda of the Spaniards which was a part of the Black Legend.]]> 2019-02-14 00:01:06 UTC https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331095841 Narratio Regionvm Indicarvm Per Hispanos qvosdam deuastatarum verissima : priùs quidem per Episcopum Bartholomæum Casaum natione Hispanum Hispanicè conscripta & Anno 1551. https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331120072 Sarah DeStefano
The images I have choose are from De Bry Engravings. Looking throughout the book, I was in shock by the images I was seeing. Talking to both professors, we now know these images are debunked. It is unbelievable how people use to study from these books with the information and images given. The engravings were so detailed and interesting, I can see why so many believed it. A very common theme throughout the images were the indians being inhumane and barbaric. They were portrayed to be so cruel by burning people alive, Cannibalism , cutting people into pieces, and feeding them to dog like figures. This form of propaganda made the viewer automatically have a negative feel towards the Indians. This interruptions /depictions lead to tthe Black Legend. ]]> 2019-02-14 01:58:44 UTC https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331120072 Cartas de Relación georgia_brooks98 https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331123288 The item from the library that peaked my interest the most was the Cartas de Relacion. This artifact is a map from Cortes' second letter to the king, and it illustrates the new land. I found this artifact so interesting because it was so well preserved. The colors and detail were still so intense and did not look even the slightest bit dulled. It reminded me of the maps at Disney world that pinpoint attractions and I wonder if this map was an influence in the way other maps were drawn throughout the past into today. I enjoyed being able to touch and feel important parts of history and I think it was really interesting to see and learn about things I didn't know where still preserved. ]]> 2019-02-14 02:13:50 UTC https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331123288 Juana's Artifact - Nicole Avvisati https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331146692 The historical item I found most interesting was the artifact of Juana of Argon or Juana la Loca. I am extremely fascinated with the history surrounding her and her family. Having presented about the Queen of Argon, I was required to study her and the many theories surrounding her. To this day, the sanity of Juana is still in question. This artifact allows us a brief glimpse into the time when Juana reigned. I wondered if this was issues and written by Juana, or merely signed by her. What really draws me in to the letter, is her signature. While we all have signatures which are unique to us as individuals, Juana's seems especially interesting. ]]> 2019-02-14 04:27:05 UTC https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331146692 Cartas de relacion mdono20 https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331162066 Cartas de relacion was the item that really stuck out to me during our visit to the Newberry Library. It stuck out because it was the only page with a picture of a map on it. I have always been interested in maps and after reading what it was about, it caught my eye even more. It was about Cortes' second letter to the king. This historical item was so well preserved and the colors popped out as if they were new. I was the most intrigued by the fact that back a long time ago, people had the knowledge to even think of making something of such and so well done. This map is art and The Library obviously takes care of these books by preserving them very well. ]]> 2019-02-14 06:26:41 UTC https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331162066 Second Letter by Cortes - Vagus Nystrom https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331162772 This piece out of the collection at Newberry Library sparked my interest the most due to its colorfulness, as I'm shocked color could stay in such pigmentation after so many years. The structuring of the map itself was very interesting to me as well, knowing the entire city was created over a body of water, something I feel would be almost impossible to do back during the time period. The structuring of the map as a whole interests me as maps these days are nowhere near as detailed. The buildings cast away from the center of the map in every place. The attention to detail on the structures and coloring also interested me. I can't fathom how something can be preserved for so long and still look so incredibly. The employees at Newberry Library must be amazing at their jobs.]]> 2019-02-14 06:32:55 UTC https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331162772 De Bry Engravings of natives. https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331173898 The most interesting primary resource I saw at the Newberry Library was the anthology of Theodore De Bry, and how graphic and detailed the engravings were. I found the image I am submitting to be interesting because instead of the oughtright violence on some of the engravings, this image is subtle with the big image being the natives gifting Columbus with goods, but in the background, the natives are running away in terror. The other engravings were more contrasting, but this image seems to stand out against the rest. I think that examining the images in the Americae pars qvarta could be a useful project and provide insight into a different perspective through images and contrast. I found the library to be an interesting place and hope to visit again.
Erik Meier]]> 2019-02-14 07:46:08 UTC https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331173898 Impressvm Franco- Albert Du professionalstuff83 https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331174075 This peaked my interest because of the Artist/Author's representation of the founding of the new world. In this, it was clear that the artist portrays those entering the "New World" as arriving at a wild place. We can see the people worshiping a beast and lacking clothes. We can see the exocticness of this place shown by the lack of man-made buildings. Along with this, it is clear that the Spanish ships are getting engulfed into the island as the boats that have arrived look much smaller than the entering one, making the viewer feel as if those boats are trapped in by the island.]]> 2019-02-14 07:46:56 UTC https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331174075 Cartas de Relación - Savannah Derrig https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331252370 Similar to a lot of people, my favorite historical piece was the Cartas de Relacion. Illustrated in the map is the New World, and was created for the King, by Cortes during the 1500s. I was so intrigued by this piece due to the intricacies of the details. I was also fascinated by the style of drawing; it seemed so modern. In addition to the style, I really loved the colors and how vibrant they still are to this day. The intensity of the pigmentation could definitely be symbolic of the excitement at the thought of the New World and everything it had to offer, including resources and hope.]]> 2019-02-14 12:54:51 UTC https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331252370 Barolome De Casas and De Bry Images of early Spanish settlers. https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331281373  found these images to be extremely graphic and violent depiction of the Spanish conquest. It is no wonder how the myth of the black legend spread so quickly and resounded so deeply with other European powers of time. It is such a visceral depiction that would have been nearly unprecedented for the time. The images depict violent acts with blood and gore that betrays the spaniards as demons raping and pillaging.  ]]> 2019-02-14 13:57:46 UTC https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331281373 Cartas De Relacion - Cody https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331289981 The most interesting thing I found at the Newberry Library was the Cartas de Relacion. The picture is of the Map of Tenochtitlan, which I found to be absolutely breath taking. The level of detail was the most amazing thing to me especially for how old it is. The historical significance of this piece is a lot since the Cartas were made for Emperor Carlos V. The map itself would obviously be used to help direct anyone around Tenochtitlan or if they could not travel there, to at least give the Spanish people a general idea of what this city in the new world looked like. I also love how this piece was made by what we would consider a modern day college dropout as Hernan Cortes never officially completed school but was still able to write as well as he did in addition to being an obviously important person in the Spanish empire to have been making all of these things for the Emperor]]> 2019-02-14 14:11:51 UTC https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331289981 Narratio Regionvm Indicarvm Per Hispanos -Nicole Fonseca https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331314192 This particular resource seemed the most fascinating to me. I was not able to see it in person, but the fact that others were able to see it is surprising. So far in all of our assignments regarding the Black Legend it has been mentioned Bartolome de las Casas was a huge contributor to the negative light Spain has been viewed in. The drawings that are present in this book I have seen in our own readings. Spaniards being portrayed as savages and monsters and the indigenous people being portrayed as terrified. Bartlome's work has left a clear impact on Spain and history itself.]]> 2019-02-14 14:49:12 UTC https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331314192 Tlaxcalan Document - Brandon Patterson https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331318857 This folder contained copies of various cedulas (official documents) and cartas reales (royal charters) from Spanish monarchs, some recognizing loyalty and service from the Tlaxcalans. What drew me to this piece the most and surprised me was the use of color and imagery on its cover. The cover was very detailed to a point that I didn't think was possible technologically for the time it was produced. There is a portrait on the cover of Phillip II and a document inside was written by Queen Juana. Another thing about the piece that I found interesting was a page inside with signatures on it and how they reminded me of modern day signatures.]]> 2019-02-14 14:56:23 UTC https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331318857 Tlaxalan Document- Maggie https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331360898
MCL390
Newberry Library

Documents concerning concessions and privileges granted to the Tlaxcalan Indians by the Spanish monarchs 1732

 Of all of amazing artifacts we had the privilege of interacting with at the Newberry Library, for me, the most exciting of all were the letters written by Queen Juana, her son Charles, and her husband Phillip. Having background knowledge from my presentation of her intriguing and traumatic life, I was naturally drawn to these documents. These documents originally from the 16th century granted certain privileges to the Tlaxcalan Indians for the loyalty they displayed to Spain during Cortes’ conquest. Among the privileges, is the right to their land and that is not be included in the intendencia system. I know that during this time Juana was oppressed and her power was being stripped of her by her family. I wonder how much say she had in the creation of these documents and the granting of privileges. 



]]> 2019-02-14 15:59:33 UTC https://padlet.com/jelenasanchez_phd/8sl05kk7oc96/wish/331360898