GARDE

GARDE

*Standing figure The eyes have not been sculpted, so the cheeks seem endless. Only the shadow cast by the thick eyebrows gives rise to a discreet, deep gaze. The nose is reduced to a central bridge. The mouth is represented by a slight indentation and a flat line that peaks over the chin. The angular ears are low-set and defined by two clear vertical grooves. The lower extremity fits into the curve of the lower face. The neck is not visible, and the small shoulders fall away. The upper body consists of an armless torso, whose presence can be guessed simply by the relief of the elbows at waist level. The forearms are represented by two simple slashes, confidently drawn obliquely towards the navel. The short legs are separated and the feet are not sculpted. The reverse is slightly domed and perfectly polished. Mottled gray crystalline limestone (marble), carved and polished, slight chips and marks of time. Mezcala, Guerrero, Mexico, 350-100 B.C. 20.8 x 6 x 5 cm According to the classification established by researcher Carlo Gay (1913-1998), who postulates an evolution of Mezcala figures, based on stylistic characteristics, from the supposedly simplest and oldest type (M2) to the supposedly most accomplished and most recent type (M26), this figure belongs to type M12. The appearance of raised eyebrows is what distinguishes this type from the others. Provenance: Former Yvon Collet collection, 1967