Master Art

Standing Dignitary - TEOTIHUACAN - Mexico - 400 – 750 AD. - Pre-Columbian

Height : 29.2 cm

Width : 10.8 cm

Depth :  5,3 cm 

Green-grey veined chlorite

Documents (originals) provided to the acquirer:

- Certificate of authenticity of the Galerie Mermoz,

Santo Micali, Expert, (CNE) Compagnie Nationale des Experts

- Certificate of Art Loss Register

- Passport of free circulation

- Microanalysis report

- Invoice

This figure, brilliantly sculpted in a superb dark green chlorite, comes from Teotihuacan, and was undoubtedly made by one of the best workshops of this exceptional city in central Mexico, which attracted craftsmen from all over Mesoamerica to work for its greatness during the first millennium of our era. It is in conformity with the canons dictated by the city which took care that its productions follow a specific model, nourished of rigor and stature, in the image of its ideology and in the service of its elite, of which it drew up thus a powerful and prestigious portrait, imposing admiration and respect.  

Thus, if the artistic expressions are varied in Teotihuacán, because of the integration of external populations, they reflect a need for uniformity and idealization, a strong social stratification and a will to impose its hegemony. The stone statuary, in particular, marked by geometry and hieraticism, is eloquent on this point. Dedicated to the exaltation of the priest-kings and sacred entities, it testifies to the extent to which religion was the backbone of the city in a classical period (200-900 AD) marked by numerous developments and notably the multiplication of the number of gods. The conventions of Teotihuacan are observed throughout the central altiplano zone and beyond, which attests to the broad influence of the so-called "City of Gods".

The dignitary is recognizable by his rectangular headdress, surmounted by a narrow trapezoid that is shorter in width. Although Teotihuacan has produced a number of stone figures of this type, this work appears to be particularly accomplished, and what is more, very well preserved.

The face is marked by a serene and introverted air. The eyes are half closed and the mouth half open. Horizontal slits show their small opening. The superciliary arches are marked and the forehead is hidden by the headdress. The cheekbones are sculpted. The triangular nose is strong and its wings are in relief. The ears are angular in the upper part and strongly rounded in the lobes, with a small hole made with a drill, which suggests the presence of circular ornaments.