Lot 42
  • 42

Teotihuacan stone mask, Classic, ca. A.D. 450-650

Estimate
75,000 - 125,000 USD
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Description

  • stone
  • Width: 7 1/2 in (19 cm)
the broad youthful face with high rounded cheekbones, wide oval eyes and open mouth, the ears pierced for ornaments; in translucent yellow-green stone. 

Provenance

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel A. Marx, gift to The Art Institute of Chicago, 1958

Samuel A. Marx (1885-1964) was an American architect and interior designer, known for working in the International Modernist style. Some of his many projects include the May department store and  Edward G. Robinson home in Los  Angeles, New Orleans Museum of Art, and the Alexander Hamilton Memorial in Chicago. 

Exhibited

On view in The Art Institute of Chicago, early 1960's to 2012

Condition

Excellent, intact. Very small old chip to PR eyelid in the center, variegated veining and color as per stone type. NIce film of encrustaton overall.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

The varying colors and translucency of tecali was a valued aesthetic in the Teotihuacan lapidary tradition. A limegreen mask of a tecali variety was inventoried for Antonio de'Medici in 1621, now in the Museo degli Argenti, Florence (Moctezuma and Olguin 2002: cat. no. 52).