If Camilla Townsend were to look at this photograph, she would say, “I agree with this photo.” The reason why is because this is an accurate portrayal through the eyes of the conquistadors on how she was portrayed by the Spaniards.
Dona Marina was there. It is without doubt she was there by her own choosing, as Bernal Diaz states for liberty and promises of rewards, instead of remaining in slavery. Bernal Diaz viewed has as being extremely helpful, playing a great role. He exclaims how she helped save the Spaniards lives from being massacred, and how was able to persuade some Indians to be allies rather than foe. Above all, Bernal Diaz viewed the Conquest as one in which the Spaniards were not just spreading Christianity, but one where they sought to overthrow Tyranny, and oppression. In the painting she is dressed elegantly standing behind Cortez as an angel. In the photo she appears to be at liberty, respectable, a member (skin tone) of the Spaniards Conquest. Thus it is evident that the Spaniards are bringing light to this region under tyranny, which is what Bernal Diaz believed he and the Conquistadors were doing.
In the writings of Cortez, he frequently is at war and encounters plenty of Indians. He never once mentions Dona Marina’s name. Instead he refers to her and Geronimo Aguilar as his interpreters. Cortez always pays credit in his writings to his interpreters for convincing the Indians to become vassals and allies of his Majesty the King. In this photo she appears to be a member of the Conquest and a vassal of his Majesty the King due to the light skin tone she is painted as having. Cortez always referred to the members of his company as Vassals of his Majesty. Therefore, she is playing a role in Cortez’s mission to win vassals for his Majesty. Thus she is being portrayed as a Vassal of Spain’s Kingdom in a foreign land.
Thus it is suffice to say that Townsend would completely agree with this painting of the portrayal of Dona Marina's role in the Conquest.
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