Fine Maya Polychrome Stucco Head of a Dignitary Late Classic, ca. A.D. 550-950

the commanding portrait of a confident and mature lord, staring downward from almond-shaped eyes, the full lips parted showing teeth, aquiline nose, the thick strands of hair swept upward into a headband adorned with discs, the upper band with stepped lower border; with extensive remains of deep red pigment. 

Veracruzana
The Collection of Alice M. Kaplan, acquired from the above prior to early 1970's
By descent in the family (Sotheby's, New York, June 2, 1999, lot 169)
Acquired by the present owner from the above auction

Linda Bantel, The Alice M. Kaplan Collection, New York, 1981, pl. 13

Overall very good, the old losses of headdress and small chips or knicks on the face, are visible and stable. The head has been stabilized years ago, which is visible on the reverse. It as drilled in three places for a wall mount, and also for the table mount stand it is sold with. There is an old crack on the PR side of face extending from the eye, which is stable. Overall wonderful areas of blue and red color intact and overall presence is very strong.
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.

Alice M. Kaplan (1903-1995) was an ardent supporter of the arts in New York city, serving as President of the American Federation of the Arts (1967-1977), and on numerous boards including the Whitney Museum. She built one of the most distinguished ancient and modern art collections in America. Her collecting began in 1955 during her return to Columbia University to complete a MA in History of Art, and grew to include Pre-Columbian, Indian, Chinese, African as well as European sculpture, drawings and American paintings. Kaplan was drawn to this regal Maya stucco portrait head by her aesthetic interest in the human figure and her appreciation of “the intrinsic beauty of an object no matter where or when it was created.” (Bantel 1981:9).

Maya portrait heads combine elegant idealism with individual qualities in some of the most captivating sculptures of the Late Classic period. This imposing and refined portrait has distinct references to the Maize god, shown by the thick strands of upswept hair imitating flowing corn silk, well known from the stone heads from Copan. The Maize god was the ultimate symbol of purity, virtue and of supernatural authority and power for the Maya. He is the emblem of regeneration; he is the father of the Hero Twins who vanguish evil in the Underworld.   
Portrait heads connected the royalty portrayed to important deities. Stucco portraits were destroyed in rebuilding events by different rulers and often cached in appreciation of their ancestral value.
For another large portrait head, see Berjonneau, Deletaille and Sonnery (1985: Fig. 415); for examples of personified maize heads, see Pillsbury et al., eds. (2012:79).