Engraving

Name/Title

Engraving

Entry/Object ID

1986.10.006

Description

Engravings from "Histoire Generale des Ceremonies", Benard Picart. Engraving on paper Amsterdam, Holland. 1720-1730. Two views on one sheet. Top view titled, "Idoles de Campeche et de Iucatan". (Translation, "Idols of Campeche and Yucatan". Depicts a highly raised brick platform with columns on one side; inside the columns there is a large snake fighting and eating the face of the lion; dead bodies and skulls inside; outside is a nude man with two vicious animals; background shows mountains and trees; taking place in Campeche, Yucatan. Bottom view titled, "Idoles de Tabasco". (Translation, "Idols of Tabasco".) Depicts a death ceremony; villagers carving human hearts out; dead bodies on the ground; skulls, rib bones; square fountain, large lion with an idol falling into it; standing nude figure appears to commit suicide; large group idols beyond hills and trees worshipping a half-human/ half-animal god sculpture; half-woman/ half-animal figure standing, being fed a human heart, three animal heads on her waist, feathered headdress; taking place in Tabasco, Yucatan.

Artwork Details

Medium

Engraving on paper

Made/Created

Artist

Picart, Bernard

Date made

1723

Dimensions

Height

15-1/8 in

Width

9-3/8 in

Dimension Notes

Sheet:15 1/8"x 9 3/8" View: 6"x 8 1/8"