Robert Lentz — Goddess of Teotihuacan, Original Monumental Painted Stucco Sculpture, 1990s

Details

Description

An extraordinary, monumental original sculpture by renowned American iconographer Robert Lentz (b. 1946), titled Goddess of Teotihuacan, created circa the … Read more An extraordinary, monumental original sculpture by renowned American iconographer Robert Lentz (b. 1946), titled Goddess of Teotihuacan, created circa the late 1990s.

Entirely constructed and painted by Lentz, this substantial architectural artwork stands nearly five feet tall and weighs 114.2 pounds. The artist employed a framed stucco construction with sculpted, stone-like relief elements to evoke an ancient Mesoamerican ceremonial structure.

The central composition depicts the Goddess of Teotihuacan, a powerful female divinity associated in scholarly interpretations with fertility, vegetation, water, and sacred forces.

The richly ornamented figure incorporates an elaborate ceremonial headdress, stylized mask imagery, geometric patterns, and intricate decorative borders. Its harmonious palette of turquoise, sage green, burgundy, ochre, and muted mauve recalls the painted architectural traditions of ancient central Mexico.

Of particular significance is the intentionally distressed upper surface. The irregular areas of exposed stucco were deliberately incorporated into the original composition by Lentz, creating the visual impression of an ancient, partially preserved mural or archaeological fragment.

A remarkable example of the artist's exploration of sacred imagery beyond traditional Byzantine iconography, combining painting, sculpture, and architectural design in one imposing work.

Artist Biography

Robert Lentz (born 1946) is an internationally recognized American iconographer whose work bridges traditional Byzantine sacred painting and the religious imagery of diverse cultures.

Born in Colorado into a family of Orthodox heritage, Lentz formally studied traditional icon painting beginning in 1977. He subsequently established his Holy Prophet Elias Icon Studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

His work is recognized for its spiritual themes, cross-cultural iconography, and reinterpretations of traditional religious art. Among his celebrated commissions is Apache Christ (1989), created for St. Joseph Apache Mission Church in Mescalero, New Mexico.

Lentz later entered the Franciscan Order and has continued his work as an artist, teacher, and religious figure.

Provenance

Acquired directly from Robert Lentz by the sellers brother, who personally studied iconography under the artist.

The sculpture was entirely designed, constructed, and painted by Robert Lentz, according to the original owner's firsthand account.

A written provenance statement documenting the direct acquisition and artist attribution will accompany the artwork.

Condition

The artwork retains its intentionally distressed architectural appearance, including irregular exposed stucco areas across the upper decorative surface. These areas are original elements of the artist's design and do not represent subsequent damage.

Minor surface marks and edge wear are visible in the photographs. Please review all images for condition details.

Measurements

Height: 58 inches

Width: 31 inches

Depth: 14 inches

Weight: 114.2 pounds

Period

Late 20th Century — Circa Late 1990s

Materials

Hand-painted stucco over structural frame, sculpted architectural relief

Style

Mesoamerican Revival, Contemporary Sacred Art, Architectural Sculpture See less