Cuauhtemoc statue

In 1887, the second square of Paseo de la Reforma was completed. The Aztec hero, the last to defend Tenochtitlan against the Spaniards, is represented with a classic Greek imperial dress, according to the artistic fashion of the moment. On his head, he wears a quetzal feather headdress and in his hand he holds a spear in defense.

The pedestal is decorated with geometric Mixtec elements (grecas) combined with classic elements. At its feet are bronze leopards, and an interesting bas-relief showing the scene where Cortes tortures indigenous leaders Cuauhtemoc and Moctezuma. By burning their feet, he wanted to force them to tell where they hided their gold treasures (although Aztecs used little of this precious metal).

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