Huaina Ccapac, Inca XII.

This painting shows Huayna Capac as the 12th Inca ruler. The sequence of this portrait series probably follows the Chronicle of Inca Garcilaso de la Vega (1539–1616) which differs from other chronicles for it names as 10th Inca ruler a person called Inca Yupanqui. During the Spanish colonial rule in what is now Peru a highly idealized representation of Inca rulers in the manner of the portrait galleries of European monarchs was implemented. Such portrait series usually concluded with a representative of the Spanish crown, and were a tool in its attempt to insert itself into the Incan succession of rulers. They were found in public buildings and in the homes of Inca nobles. After the failed rebellion of 1780 led by José Gabriel Condorcanqui, known as Tupac Amaru II., the portaits were bannend by the Spanish.