Abstract
The analysis of the iconography in Herrera y Tordesillas’ Decades highlights the complex political, cultural, and social dynamics of the Spanish colonial monarchy, revealing how art and historical narrative are fundamental tools in the construction and maintenance of imperial hegemony. Herrera, as a Spanish historian and chronicler of the 1600s, employs visual strategies that not only represent reality but also shape it, conveying ideals associated with monarchical power and reflecting the socio-political tensions of the time. In this sense, Herrera’s works serve as means of legitimizing imperial actions, contributing to the shaping of Spanish cultural and national identity in a context of expansion and conquest. The interconnection between ideology, representation, and national identity thus becomes evident, suggesting that narratives of power are not merely products of a historical context but also active instruments in building and reinforcement of structures of dominance.