Items Similar to Mexican Gods and Priests – 1734 Engraving of Aztec Deities and Religious Ritual

Old Print of Aztec deities Vitzliputsli, Tlaloch or Tescalipuca, Mexico, 1723

Mexican Penitence and Human Sacrifice – 1734 Engraving of Aztec Religious Rites

Gianfrancesco Pivati - Mexican Idols, Deities and Ministers - Etching by G. Pivati - 1746/1751

Quetzalcoatl Worship and Hunting Deity – Rare 1734 Engraving of Aztec Rituals

Classical Antiquities and Sacred Figures, Montfaucon Engraving, London 1721

Marriage and Infant Rituals among the Mexicans, Engraving from 1734

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 11

Mexican Gods and Priests – 1734 Engraving of Aztec Deities and Religious Ritual

$284.02

£212.24

€240

CA$395.49

A$424.99

CHF 228.03

MX$5,006.17

NOK 2,867.28

SEK 2,619.24

DKK 1,829.54

About the Item

Title: Mexican Gods and Priests – 1734 Engraving of Aztec Deities and Religious Ritual Description: This rare 1734 copperplate engraving presents four vivid representations of Aztec religious figures and practices as interpreted by European artists of the Enlightenment period. Published in the encyclopedic work Les Cérémonies et Coutumes Religieuses de tous les Peuples du Monde, the print reflects both the fascination and imaginative interpretation that characterized early European depictions of pre-Columbian cultures. The top left panel shows Vitziliputsli, more commonly known as Huitzilopochtli, the Aztec god of war and the sun. He is perched on a globe-like sphere, dramatically elevated on a pedestal adorned with ritual symbols. The theatrical framing, complete with curtains and sacred regalia, suggests an almost stage-like reverence for this powerful deity. Huitzilopochtli was one of the most important gods in the Mexica pantheon, traditionally associated with large-scale offerings and warrior cults. The top right panel features a hybridized deity labeled Tlaloc ou Tescaliipuca, a conflation of Tlaloc, the rain god, and Tezcatlipoca, the god of sorcery, night, and fate. Seated on a platform and surrounded by ceremonial items, the figure is posed as an authoritative supernatural presence. The background includes weaponry, ornaments, and regalia, offering a symbolic representation of divine force and judgment. In the lower left, the god Tescaliipuca is represented again, this time surrounded by a macabre frame of skulls and ritual weapons. The emphasis here is on sacrificial violence and power, consistent with European portrayals of the Aztec world as both majestic and brutal. Tezcatlipoca was a complex deity, associated with conflict, prophecy, and transformation, often represented with a mirror or smoking foot. The lower right panel presents two Mexican priests. One holds a flint knife, pointing toward the practice of human sacrifice. The second figure gestures in explanation or instruction, possibly referencing the ceremonial architecture in the background. These figures are dressed in elaborate robes, and the tiled floor beneath them suggests a setting of both religious gravity and structured ritual. This engraving is not a historically accurate portrayal but rather a reflection of how European scholars and artists imagined and mythologized Indigenous American religions. It offers a valuable insight into early modern perceptions of the Americas, filtered through both admiration and misunderstanding. Condition is good. The engraving shows strong impressions and clear details. There is light foxing and toning around the margins, and minor edge wear consistent with age. No tears or restorations are visible. This piece is well suited to a square or vertically oriented frame. Use an archival mat in cream or ivory to preserve the original borders and separate the four panels visually. A dark wooden or black frame with UV-filtering glass will enhance both the historic value and visual impact of the print.

Dimensions:
Height: 16.54 in (42 cm)Width: 10.24 in (26 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
Materials and Techniques:
Paper,Engraved
Period:
1730-1739
Date of Manufacture:
1734
Condition:
Condition is good. The engraving shows strong impressions and clear details. There is light foxing and toning around the margins, and minor edge wear consistent with age. No tears or restorations are visible.
Seller Location:
Langweer, NL
Reference Number:
Seller: BG-13806-511stDibs: LU3054345019462

More From This Seller

View All

Old Print of Aztec deities Vitzliputsli, Tlaloch or Tescalipuca, Mexico, 1723

Located in Langweer, NL

Antique print titled 'Vitzliputsli (..)'. Old print of the Aztec deities Vitzliputsli, Tlaloch or Tescalipuca. Also depicted are Mexican priests. Originates from 'Ceremonies et coutu...

Category

Antique 1720s Religious Items

Materials

Paper

Old Print of Aztec deities Vitzliputsli, Tlaloch or Tescalipuca, Mexico, 1723

$397 Sale Price

20% Off

Mexican Penitence and Human Sacrifice – 1734 Engraving of Aztec Religious Rites

Located in Langweer, NL

Mexican Penitence and Human Sacrifice – 1734 Engraving of Aztec Religious Rites Description: This dramatic 1734 copperplate engraving illustrates two imagined rituals from ancient M...

Category

Antique 1730s Prints

Materials

Paper

Mexican Penitence and Human Sacrifice – 1734 Engraving of Aztec Religious Rites

$284

Quetzalcoatl Worship and Hunting Deity – Rare 1734 Engraving of Aztec Rituals

Located in Langweer, NL

Quetzalcoatl Worship and Hunting Deity – Rare 1734 Engraving of Aztec Rituals This finely detailed copperplate engraving from 1734 presents two theatrical interpretations of religio...

Category

Antique 1730s Prints

Materials

Paper

Quetzalcoatl Worship and Hunting Deity – Rare 1734 Engraving of Aztec Rituals

$307

Classical Antiquities and Sacred Figures, Montfaucon Engraving, London 1721

Located in Langweer, NL

Classical Antiquities and Sacred Figures, Montfaucon Engraving, London 1721 This large and visually rich engraving originates from Bernard de Montfaucon’s monumental work Antiquity ...

Category

Antique 1720s British Prints

Materials

Paper

Classical Antiquities and Sacred Figures, Montfaucon Engraving, London 1721

$1,479

Marriage and Infant Rituals among the Mexicans, Engraving from 1734

Located in Langweer, NL

Title: Marriage and Infant Rituals among the Mexicans, Engraving from 1734 Description: This richly detailed 18th-century copperplate engraving, published in 1723, offers a fascinat...

Category

Antique 1730s Prints

Materials

Paper

Marriage and Infant Rituals among the Mexicans, Engraving from 1734

$284

Aztec Captives and the Great Temple of Huitzilopochtli – 1734 Mexico Engraving

Located in Langweer, NL

Aztec Captives and the Great Temple of Huitzilopochtli – Rare 1734 Mexico Engraving This 1734 copperplate engraving presents a vivid interpretation of Aztec warfare, ritual combat, ...

Category

Antique 1730s Prints

Materials

Paper

Aztec Captives and the Great Temple of Huitzilopochtli – 1734 Mexico Engraving

$402

1740s Old Masters Figurative Prints

Materials

Etching

Gianfrancesco Pivati
Mexican Idols, Deities and Ministers - Etching by G. Pivati - 1746/1751, 1746-1751

$295

Divinities of Campeche, Idols of Tabasco - by G. Pivati - 1746-1751

By Gianfrancesco Pivati

Located in Roma, IT

Divinities of Campeche, Idols of Tabasco Etchings, Hand-Watercoloured. Vol. VIII, Plate LXXI Image Dim: cm 25.5 x 18; Sheet Dim: cm 37.5 x 23.8; Passepartout Dim: cm 49 x 34 Two E...

Category

1740s Old Masters Figurative Prints

Materials

Etching

Gianfrancesco Pivati
Divinities of Campeche, Idols of Tabasco - by G. Pivati - 1746-1751, 1746-1751

$284

Ancient Roman Fresco - Original Etching by Roccus Pozzi - 18th Century

By Roccus Pozzi

Located in Roma, IT

Ancient Roman Fresco from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an original etching on paper realized by Roccus Pozzi in the 18th Century. Signed on the plate. Good condition...

Category

18th Century Old Masters Figurative Prints

Materials

Etching

Roccus Pozzi
Ancient Roman Fresco - Original Etching by Roccus Pozzi - 18th Century, 18th Century

$816

Offers to the Sun God among the Incas - by G. Pivati - 1746-1751

By Gianfrancesco Pivati

Located in Roma, IT

Offers to the Sun God among the Incas Etchings, Hand-Watercoloured. Tom.VIII , Plate LXXVI Image Dim: cm 25.5 x 18; Sheet Dim: cm 37.5 x 23.8; Passepartout Dim: cm 49 x 34 Very fi...

Category

1740s Old Masters Figurative Prints

Materials

Etching

Gianfrancesco Pivati
Offers to the Sun God among the Incas - by G. Pivati - 1746-1751, 1746-1751

$355

Jacques-Philippe Le Bas "The Illumination" Engraving 18th Century

By Jacques-Philippe Le Bas

Located in Beuzevillette, FR

Interesting engraving by Jacques-Philippe Le Bas depicts the illuminations set up on the evening of 29 August 1739 at the crossroads of St Denys and La Ferronnerie for the wedding of...

Category

Antique 18th Century European Prints

Materials

Paper

Jacques-Philippe Le Bas "The Illumination" Engraving 18th Century

$170 Sale Price

20% Off

Customs - Mexican Calendar - Lithograph - 1862

Located in Roma, IT

Customs - Mexican calendar is alithograph on paper realized in 1862. Titled on the lower. The artwork belongs to the Suite Uses and customs of all t...

Category