The French Connection
An analysis and Discussion of the Segesser II Hide Painting as an Historical Document
Talk by Jeff Hengesbaugh
The only thing consistent about history is its completeness. Every once in a while, original information, not derived from or dependent on something else, is discovered in a document, artifact, or image and offers a first-hand account of past events.
The Segesser II Hide Painting depicts a battle between the Spanish and the French with indigenous allies. Yet there is controversy that challenges its integrity as an historical document. Namely that the 37 French combatants depicted in the painting are imaginary. I’ve used circumstantial evidence and empirical information from visual images to place the Segesser II hide painting on trial and let the audience be the jury.
