Montezuma's Last Days

Speaking of Earth societies as other-worldly, the Aztec and Mayan cultures were on their own track of development until the collision of 'new and old' worlds. Here, Charles Ricketts, an illustrator and designer, designed a stage set and costumes for a play that he had written as a dramatic telling of Montezuma's last days. It was never produced, but as a theatrical project it could have been quite a feast for the eyes.

Charles Ricketts — Stage set for Montezuma — ca 1920

watercolor

Charles Ricketts — Costume design for Montezuma — ca 1920

watercolor