1970s Joan K. Connolly La Amelia, El Peten, Guatemala, Rubbing on Fabric Artwork

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Fabulous 1970s Joan K. Connolly La Amelia, El Peten, Guatemala, large-scale rubbing on fabric Mayan artwork, one-of-a-kind.
This artwork is … Read more Fabulous 1970s Joan K. Connolly La Amelia, El Peten, Guatemala, large-scale rubbing on fabric Mayan artwork, one-of-a-kind.
This artwork is a Guatemalan fabric rubbing, a form of folk art created by placing a piece of fabric over a carved stone stela or temple wall (likely Mayan or Aztec ruin) and rubbing the material to capture the intricate details and texture of the relief sculpture below, the technique produces a rustic, textured, and monochromatic image that mimics the appearance of the original stone carvings, preserving their detailed imagery and historical significance.
The subject matter of the artwork is a Mesoamerican ruler or deity. These types of ancient carvings usually depict high-ranking individuals like kings or queens, sometimes shown in the guise of a god, engaged in important rituals such as bloodletting, celebrating a significant date, or showcasing a military victory. The specific elements include a central, standing figure in an elaborate headdress and ceremonial attire. Intricate patterns and glyphs cover the figure's clothing and the panels flanking it. These hieroglyphs typically record the ruler's name, titles, lineage, and the historical or mythological events being commemorated. It captures a piece of ancient history and belief systems, serving as both a historical record and a declaration of political and spiritual power.
The painting is housed in a brown textured, distressed wood frame that blends a rustic, weathered look with a brushed finish, combining a mix of colors, bronze, champagne, and black. Has a classic, slightly ornate profile with multiple steps and a raised inner lip.
Its hand signed and titled by the artist on the lower right front.
This unique one-of-a-kind artwork serves as a valuable record of pre-Columbian art and history, capturing the skilled craftsmanship of ancient Maya sculptors, a breathtaking piece of collectible art.

Joan K. Connolly (also known as Joan Kathleen Connolly) was an American sculptor and artist known primarily for her Guatemalan rubbings on fabric work. She lived in Guatemala for nearly two decades (1965-1982) during this time, she produced a large volume of rubbings from ancient Maya and Aztec stone monuments. She had official permission from the Guatemalan government to create these works. Which were sold as art pieces.
Her work helps document the intricate details of pre-Columbian art and architecture that might otherwise be lost to time and erosion.

Frame dimensions: Width 43.5" x Height 66" x Depth 2" x Weight 25 lbs.
Artwork dimensions: Width 35" x Height 58"

Details:
Artist: Joan K. Connolly
Title: La Amelia, El Peten, Guatemala.
Medium: Rubbing on fabric (also called frottage) made with wax, graphite, or pigment.
Materials: Solid wood, rubbing, fabric, plexiglass.
Colors: Brown, cream, or off-white.
Style: Guatemalan folk art, Mesoamerican revival art.
Art subjects: Ancient Mesoamerican Culture.
Year made: 1970s
Country of origin: Guatemala. See less