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The Coming of Quetzalcoatl
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The Coming of Quetzalcoatl

mural by Orozco
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Quick Summary

"The Coming of Quetzalcoatl" is a mural by Mexican artist José Clemente Orozco. This mural, part of a series at Dartmouth College, contrasts the progression of humanity from a primeval paradise to a Christian, capitalist hell. The series draws inspiration from Byzantine mosaics and explores themes of human development and societal decline.

Quetzalcoatl himself is a significant deity in ancient Mexican mythology, often depicted as a feathered serpent. He was associated with various aspects, including vegetation, the morning and evening star, and the patron of priests and craftsmen. Legends describe Quetzalcoatl as a priest-king who was eventually expelled from Tula, symbolizing the downfall of a theocratic rule. His story also includes a prophecy of his return, which influenced historical encounters, such as Montezuma II's perception of Hernán Cortés.12

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. José Clemente Orozco
  2. Quetzalcóatl
  3. Quetzalcoatl

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