Lot 117
**First Time At Auction**
Pre-Columbian, Valley of Mexico, Teotihuacan culture, ca. 3rd to 7th century CE. A wonderful stone figure shown seated with knees drawn up as he gazes forth from a grooved eyes that span nearly the width of his face, all beneath a wide-brimmed hat. He tightly grasps his knees to his chest, displaying a slender body typical of Teotihuacan sculpture and minimalist features, such as a protruding brow, a triangular nose, and a slight smile. A braided belt encompasses his thin waist. Ranging greatly in style and size, Teotihuacan stone figures, like this example were important ritual objects and were likely clothed in richly colored feathers and textiles as deity representations used in ceremonial events. Size: 4.7" W x 9.7" H (11.9 cm x 24.6 cm)
Teotihuacan was at one time the largest city in the Pre-Columbian world, famous for its pyramids (Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon) as well as the Great Compound with the Temple of Quetzalcoatl (aka Temple of the Plumed Serpent) punctuating the Avenue of the Dead. Stone figures like this example are perhaps the best-known works of Teotihuacan art, with simple lines used economically in order to create powerful effigies without an overuse of detail. The decline of the Teotihuacan began in the 6th century and their sudden destruction may have been due to internal uprisings or invasions from rival cultures. Many structures along the Avenue of the Dead and other sculptures inside palatial buildings were deliberately broken and shattered during this time, it is possible that the chips and losses on this piece are a result of the sacking and destruction most pieces suffered.
Provenance: private Charlotte, North Carolina, USA collection; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, USA, November 9, 2005, lot 65; ex-Paul Tishman collection, acquired by descent
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#176877
- Condition: Chipping with minor losses to base and proper right knee, as well as expected nicks and abrasions to surface, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with light earthen deposits to surface. Arte Primitivo label on underside of base.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |