Olmec Stone Seated Figure

European Private Collection

Sotheby’s, London, December 9, 1975, lot 72, consigned by the above

Constance Kamens Fine Art, New York

Brian Mahony, New York, acquired from the above in 1985

Thence by descent to the present owner

The bench figure type harks to the early Olmec era of the monumental basalt pedestals that were altars or seats of power for important rulers or priests. The shape of the seats references the U-shapes of the cloud and water symbols, suggesting a celestial empowerment. Smaller portable sculptures of the figures, which emphasize the robust musculature of the upper body and head, are known from the southern and central Highlands of Mexico and Guatemala.

This powerful figure has smooth, rounded shoulders and the typical elongated, slender torso. The long arms resemble pillars, extending to the edges of the bench with the large hands firmly planted. The massive head is sunk deeply onto the torso, and the large eyes are deeply recessed and likely once inlaid. The stern demeanor is accented by the attention the artist has given to the broad nose and carved ears, which complement the dominant presence of the upper body. The legs are flattened and foreshortened, carved in low relief with feet indicated grazing the ground.

The figure shows signs of age and wear, with distinctive parallel and irregular grooves which are likely ancient tracks from animal nibbling.

Cf. For a figure seated on a bench holding the sacred ceremonial bar, with cloud symbols above, see the monumental Chalcatzingo petroglyph, in Michael D. Coe, The Jaguar’s Children: Pre-Classic Central Mexico, New York, 1965, p. 19, figs. 10 and 11.