Malinche Artwork

I believe Townsend would find this artwork to be very close is describing the role of Malinche in the early stages of the conquest, or at least with the first encounter with the Aztec civilizations.
It describes Malinche as an interpreter for Cortes, it even shows a conquistador behind him which could be portrayed as another interpreter (Gerónimo de Aguilar) to translate different dialect of Indian. This artwork also depicts Malinche as a giant figure in the piece in comparison to Cortes which could signify her importance in the conquest and possibly why Cortes was successful in his overtaking of the Aztec empire. We know there are many other factors, but not being able to communicate with the locals would be a huge disadvantage for the Spanish.

The piece of art also shows the Indians and Spanish bartering through the interpreters. This was something that was stated in the books we have read and you can see the gold relics below Cortes. Gold was definitely something the Spanish had an interest in from the start and more or less fueled their desire to go on the conquest. She is shown in native attire and more homely of a woman than a stunning beauty that other pictures might depict her as. I believe Townsend would agree that in some images of Malinche, they have taken great liberties in overstating her beauty. In general I think even the Spanish clothing is similar to what Cortes or other conquistadors would have been wearing during that time period.