GARDE

GARDE

*Old man seated, legs crossed. Right arm outstretched, hand resting on knee, open palm showing burn marks on inside. The left arm is bent, elbow on knee, hand on chin. The face is marked by deep, incised wrinkles. A fine striated beard surrounds the lower part of the face. The mouth is open, revealing the teeth. The nose is straight, with pierced nostrils. The eyes are almond-shaped, with deep-set pupils. The prominent eyebrows are arched. The short hair is curly. He wears a loincloth and is adorned with circular earrings, a pearl necklace and bracelets. This old man is associated with the old fire god. Brown hollow terracotta Veracruz - Mexico, 450 - 750 A.D. 39.5 x 33.5 x 30.5 cm The Veracruz culture developed on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. The Classical Period extends from 450 to 750 AD. Veracruz ceramics are distinguished by their unrivalled quality and the beautiful representations of human figures. Enigmatic and beautiful, these sculptures often seem to be linked to a particular ritual. Provenance : - Former Yvon Collet collection since 1969 - Galerie Mermoz, 2004