CORTEZ AND THE CROSS (eighth panel) By one of those occasional coincidences of great historical moment, Cortez and his small band
of adventurers arrived on the American continent at a time set by legendary prophecy for the
return of the god Quetzalcoatl. The coincidence provides, in large degree, explanation of the
historical marvel of the conquest of the native thousands by Cortez and his few hundred
Spanish followers. In this panel the conquering figure of Cortez appears against the background
of his burning ships, destroyed by himself, and of a stern cross both supporting and supported
by an ascetic priest. Underfoot are ghastly heaps of slain and subjugated natives and the
wreckage of a despoiled civilization. In the figures of both Cortez and the priest are