An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Head Fragmentc. 900–300 BCE
This sensual head fragment may come from a seated or standing figure like those shown nearby, though much larger. The carving is exceptionally fine, from the slight under-eye puffiness to the delineation of the fleshy lips and the teeth. The profile face of supernatural being is incised just in front of each ear, perhaps indicating that the subject had special power.
In ancient Mesoamerica, jade was more valuable than gold.
jadeite
Overall: 7.4 x 6.2 x 5 cm (2 15/16 x 2 7/16 x 1 15/16 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
In the quiet corners of a museum, where the air is thick with whispered marvels, a fragment of history rests—a sensual head carved from stone, exuding an air of mystery. This exquisite piece, a remnant from a time long past, may once have belonged to a grand figure, either seated majestically or standing tall, akin to the much larger statues that surround it.
The craftsmanship here is remarkably fine; one might almost imagine the skilled hands tracing the contours of the face, capturing the slightest under-eye puffiness that hints at the vulnerability within the supernatural visage. The fleshy lips seem to beckon with their careful detailing, and the smile—though long faded—whispers of stories unsaid. Each carved tooth stands as a testament to the artisan’s dedication, frozen in time yet brimming with life.
As you follow the delicate curve of the profile, a profound realization washes over you: the incisions just before each ear suggest more than mere aesthetic choice. They are markers of power, perhaps indicating that the being once embodied the rare essence of influence and divinity. What thoughts danced through their mind? What wisdom flowed from their lips?
In this immortal slice of art, somewhere between the past and the future, we find not just a face but a vessel of tales—of dreams, dilemmas, and desires—caught in the ebb and flow of human experience. The stone, cold and silent, seems to echo with the rich legacy of a time when this figure commanded the respect of those who gazed upon it. The fragment, though incomplete, urges us to reflect on our own journey, reminding us that even in brokenness lies beauty, and from every story, an understanding of what it means to be human.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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