A Eurocentric View: These Illustrations changed the 18th century European worldview of America’s Indigenous population

7 hours ago 18

The International Museum of Art & Science exhibit “Ceremonies of the Americas” presents engraved illustrations by Bernard Picart from his popular book, “Ceremonies and Customs of All the Peoples of the World” published in 1727 in collaboration with Jean Frédéric Bernard.

Protesting the existing Eurocentric worldview during the 18th century when Indigenous peoples of the Americas were often depicted as exotic, different, and barbarous with no religion at all, Picart’s works were the first published popular images that showed their religion and culture.

To today’s audience, these prints could be read as fake news. The portrayal of America’s indigenous peoples is rendered in a European Post-Renaissance style reflecting mannerisms of that artistic period. A European arrogance is sensed, and this manner of historical Mesoamerica stylization later sparked animosity among Mexican artists, moving them away from European art precepts.

While these interpretations of native American cultures appear sometimes bizarre, depicting visually accurate scenes was not Picart’s primary intent; his was a conceptual undertaking to portray religious equality alongside Catholicism. To fully appreciate the achievement of these works, an understanding of their historical era must be grasped: it was the beginning of Europe’s age of enlightenment. This publication put religion in comparative perspective by sowing the radical idea that all religions could be considered on equal terms. This extraordinary work intrigued and outraged readers across Europe and It was heresy in the eyes of the Pope — the accepted notion up to then was that Catholicism was the only true religion. Anywhere.

Picart had never been to America and relied on accounts by those who had made the journey, and from those descriptions he fashioned indigenous American culture scenarios that could be understood by the general public. Illustrated in a communicative way, he emphasized native customs that would reflect a cultured civilization and belie barbarism, although he did include a sacrificial scene performed by the Aztecs. Regarding the often-incongruous architectural structures in these illustrations, to Picart’s ear “great structures” were sometimes interpreted as Roman styled buildings and clothing tended to be somewhat eclectic. The important aspect was the conceptual understanding of “religious organization.”

His academic background informed the figurative style the prints embrace, and Gods are depicted in the form of humans on pedestals referencing Greek and Roman sculpture.

Framed by heavy drapery, “Tlaloc or Tezcatlipoca” rules from a carved Northern European throne with random objects of battle surrounding him. In addition to bows and arrows, there is a cutlass and a metal shield. A depiction of Quetzalcoatl shows a figure on a pedestal with fervent worshipers offering tribute. The floor mimics the popular well-to-do Dutch checkerboard style. Groupings of people demonstrate accepted academic tenets of emotion and behaviors.

Picart’s visual contributions paved the way for a tolerant understanding of the world’s diverse cultures. Due to their popularity, his images became the standard means of portraying many of the world’s religions well into the 19th century. Because of his second and sometimes third-hand sources of information as opposed to a primary source, Picart’s visions contain much misinformation. Had indigenous peoples been able to see the publication, they might have actually considered it as fake news. But Picard’s concept was real and successful.

By reflecting the philosophic enlightenment in Europe, these historic engravings provide an insight into the past and provoke thinking into the complex interplay between art, history, and culture.

‘Ceremonies of the Americas: The Engravings of Bernard Picart’

WHERE: International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 W. Nolana Ave., McAllen

WHEN: Through June 1

HOURS: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday

CONTACT: (956) 681-2800 or theimasonline.org

COST: Museum admission applies