Art of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Art of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Property from the Collection of Howard and Jane Cohen, Baltimore
Olmec Serpentine Head Middle Preclassic, circa 900 - 300 BC
Lot Closed
May 18, 07:42 PM GMT
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Property from the Collection of Howard and Jane Cohen, Baltimore
Olmec Serpentine Head
Middle Preclassic, circa 900 - 300 BC
Height: 2 in (5.1 cm)
Josef Mueller, Solothurn
Jean-Paul Barbier-Mueller, Geneva, by descent from the above
Sotheby's, New York, May 19, 1992, lot 281, consigned by the above
Howard and Jane Cohen, Baltimore, acquired at the above auction
Jean-Paul Barbier-Mueller, Geneva, by descent from the above
Sotheby's, New York, May 19, 1992, lot 281, consigned by the above
Howard and Jane Cohen, Baltimore, acquired at the above auction
The head is carved in the classic style of complete standing figures, as best seen in the famous group of La Venta Offering 4. This serene yet confident face bears the high arched lips, deeply recessed eyes, long ear flanges, and high tapered head.
The nostrils and ears are carefully drilled. The greenstone shows the deep fluctuation of green serpentine tones.