Mezcala Stone Figure

Private Collection, California, acquired in the early 1960s

Thence by descent from the above

Sotheby’s, New York, May 13, 2019, lot 139, consigned by the above 

Acquired at the above auction by the present owners

Of strong form, the figure is a well-modeled example of the M-12 style, combining a naturalistic torso with arms in relief and the minimal yet evocative face defined by thick brows in contrast to the broad facial planes and simple cheek grooves. It is carved in a fine gray-green speckled andesite.

Cf. Carlo Gay, Francis Pratt, Mezcala: Ancient Stone Sculpture from Guerrero, Mexico, Geneva, 1992, p. 58, fig. 6, for the type.