Home > Arts > Artists > Diego Velazquez > Religious art
The Torment of Hatuey, (16th century), 1920s
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
The Torment of Hatuey, (16th century), 1920s
In 1511, Diego Velazquez set out from Hispaniola to conquer the island of Caobana (Cuba). He was preceded, however, by Hatuey, who fled Hispaniola with a party of four hundred in canoes and warned the inhabitants of Caobana about what to expect from the Spaniards.The people of Caobana could not believe Hatueys message, and few joined him to fight. Hatuey resorted to guerrilla tactics against the Spaniards, and was able to confine them to their fort at Baracoa. Eventually the Spaniards succeeded in capturing him. On February 2, 1512, [2] he was tied to a stake and burned alive at Yara.Before he was burned, a priest asked him if he would accept Jesus and go to heaven. Las Casas recalled the reaction of the chief:[Hatuey], thinking a little, asked the religious man if Spaniards went to heaven. The religious man answered yes... The chief then said without further thought that he did not want to go there but to hell so as not to be where they were and where he would not see such cruel people. This is the name and honor that God and our faith have earned.Cigar card from the History of Cuba, Geografico Universal, Propaganda de los Cigarros Susini y La Corona, Tabacalera Cubana
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 14958860
© The Print Collector
Casas Choice Conquering Cruelty Cuba Cuban Inhabitant North And Central America Priest Stake Torment Las Casas
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> Diego Velazquez
> Religious art
> Arts
> Artists
> Diego Velazquez
> Arts
> Artists
> V
> Diego Velazquez
> Arts
> Artists
> V
> Velazquez
> Europe
> Spain
> Related Images
> North America
> Cuba
> Related Images
> Popular Themes
> North Island
The Torment of Hatuey - A Symbol of Resistance and Defiance
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This powerful print captures a pivotal moment in the history of Cuba, depicting the torment endured by Hatuey, a brave indigenous chief who valiantly fought against Spanish colonization in the 16th century. In an era marked by conquest and oppression, Hatuey emerged as a beacon of resistance. Diego Velazquez's expedition to conquer Caobana was met with skepticism by its inhabitants until Hatuey arrived, warning them about the Spaniards' intentions. Despite his efforts, only a few joined him in battle. Resorting to guerrilla tactics, he managed to confine the invaders to their fort at Baracoa for some time. However, fate caught up with Hatuey when he was captured by the Spaniards. Before his execution on February 2nd, 1512, he faced a defining moment when offered salvation through conversion to Christianity. Rejecting this offer without hesitation, he chose instead to go to hell so as not to be reunited with such cruel people. Hatuey's defiance against colonial powers resonates even today as an emblematic figure representing courage and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. This historic cigar card from "The History of Cuba" serves as both a reminder of our shared past and an homage to those who fought for freedom and justice.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
