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ARCH.2003.25, Rendition: 794112
The image shows a page from an old magazine titled "The Art Digest," dated December 1, 1930. The article on the page is titled "American Art Without a European Influence." The text discusses the presence of European influence in American art and introduces a piece of Mayan art, specifically the "Head of Young Maize God," which is described as a unique example of American art untouched by European influence.
The article begins by mentioning a movement of protection against European influence in American art, comparing it to a "left wing" movement in politics. It then highlights the Brooklyn Museum's Mayan exhibition, which included the "Head of Young Maize God," a sculpture found in 1919 A.D. by Dr. S. K. Lothrop in the ruins of a Mayan temple.
The author, Miss Hammond, describes the sculpture in detail, noting its delicate features and the intricate earplugs that frame the face. She questions whether the Mayan artist was influenced by European art or if the piece is a result of a ritualistic tradition. Miss Hammond concludes that the sculpture is an example of true American art, free from European influence, and compares it to the work of modern artists like Picasso and Matisse.
The page also includes a photograph of the "Head of Young Maize God" sculpture, showing a detailed, stylized human head with elaborate ear ornaments. The caption under the photograph credits it to the Brooklyn Museum and provides its dimensions.
The image is a page from the December 1930 issue of "The Art Digest." The main article featured on this page is titled "American Art Without a European Influence."
Summary of the Article:
The article discusses a piece of ancient Mesoamerican art, specifically a terra cotta sculpture from Campeche, Mexico, dated around 100 B.C. to 600 A.D. This artwork was part of the significant Mayan exhibition at the Fogg Art Museum, curated by the Peabody Museum.
The sculpture, described as a "Female Deity With a Figure at Her Knee," is noted for its expressive qualities and the sophisticated blending of various artistic elements. It is compared to ancient Greek art in terms of its artistic achievement, with Harriet Hammond, the writer, suggesting that the Mayan civilization had reached a level comparable to early Greek civilizations.
The article argues that American art, particularly pre-Columbian art, should be appreciated independently of European influences. The author posits that "The Art Digest" is uniquely positioned to highlight American art without bias, as it is not tied to any specific art movement or European tradition.
Miss Hammond praises the "Young Maize God" sculpture for its aesthetic and emotional depth, noting that it captures both the ritualistic and human elements of the era. She suggests that American art, rooted in its own indigenous traditions, has a distinct identity that deserves recognition beyond European standards.
The article concludes by hinting at a future where American art is recognized for its unique contributions, free from European dominance. The piece also includes a photograph of the "Female Deity" sculpture for visual reference.
The image is a page from the magazine "The Art Digest," dated 1st December, 1930. The article is titled "American Art Without a European Influence."
The article discusses a piece of Mayan art, specifically a sculpture called "Female Deity With a Figure at Her Knee," created in terra cotta from Campeche, Mexico, around 515 A.D. The sculpture is described as a "superb bit of decorative sculpture" and is part of the Fog Art Museum's exhibit of Mayan art.
Harriet Hammond, the writer of the article, explains that this sculpture was created before the Mayan civilization came into contact with European influences. She notes that the Mayan artist was part of a priestly class and aimed to create art that was both decorative and ritualistic, with a unique style that was not merely a replication of European art.
The article emphasizes the distinctiveness of American art, stating that it was created independently of European influence and has its own unique aesthetic qualities. The "Young Maize God" sculpture is highlighted for its detailed craftsmanship, including features like the long nose, almond-shaped eyes, and the intricate details of the hair and facial features.
The article concludes by suggesting that this Mayan sculpture may be seen as a significant achievement in art, comparable to the works of ancient civilizations like those of China and Egypt, and potentially even more impressive given the constraints and traditions of its time.
The image is a page from "The Art Digest" dated December 1, 1930. The article is titled "American Art Without a European Influence."
The article discusses the Mayan civilization and its artistic achievements, particularly a sculpture titled "Female Deity With a Figure at Her Knee" from Terra Cotta, Campeche, Mexico, dating back to 100 B.C. to 600 A.D.
Key points of the article include:
Protection Against Foreign Influence: The text argues for the need to protect American art from foreign influences and competition, particularly from European schools of art like French Modernism.
Mayan Sculpture: The article highlights a specific Mayan sculpture, the "Head of Young Maize God," which is noted for its intricate and decorative qualities. It was produced by a real American sculptor, and it predates the Greek civilization.
Cultural and Artistic Significance: The sculpture is noted for its sophisticated craftsmanship and its representation of the Maize God, a significant figure in Mayan culture. It is described as a "superb bit of decorative sculpture" with detailed features like braided hair and ear-plugs.
Government and Art: The text discusses the role of government and art in Mayan society, emphasizing that art was largely produced by a priestly class and was deeply intertwined with ritualistic traditions.
Comparative Analysis: The article compares the Mayan sculpture to ancient Chinese and Egyptian works, suggesting that the Mayan art has a unique and distinctive style.
Cultural Pride: The author expresses a sense of pride in American art and culture, asserting that it should not be overshadowed by European influences. The article concludes with a call for recognition of the achievements of indigenous American civilizations.
The accompanying photograph shows the Mayan sculpture in question, providing a visual reference to the detailed descriptions provided in the text.
The image is a page from an old newspaper titled "The Art Digest," dated 1st December, 1930. The article is titled "American Art Without a European Influence."
The main focus of the article is a discussion about a Maya sculpture labeled "Female Deity With a Figure at Her Knees," which is displayed at the Peabody Museum's exhibition of ancient Mayan artifacts. The sculpture is dated from the period 100 B.C. to 600 A.D., and it is described as part of the First Empire of the Maya civilization.
The piece, according to Harriet Hammond, is a significant example of uninfluenced American art. She notes that it was modeled by a Maya artist from the period of 515 A.D., highlighting its unique style and cultural significance.
The article delves into the history of American art and its relation to European influences, suggesting that American art has historically been compelled to discover Europe and return with borrowed concepts. Hammond argues that this piece, though produced in a distant culture, exemplifies a form of artistry that could be considered distinctly American in spirit and form.
The text emphasizes the individuality and strength of this sculpture and suggests that it represents a form of art that could be seen as a precursor to modern American art, independent of European influence. It also touches on the idea that the Maya civilization's art was shaped by its own traditions and not by external cultural influences. The article concludes by inviting readers to compare this "Head of Young Maize God" sculpture with other works and consider the potential for originality and innovation in art without European influence.
The image shows a page from a publication titled "The Art Digest, 1st December, 1930." The main article on the page is "American Art Without a European Influence," which discusses the unique qualities of American art that have not been influenced by European styles.
The article features a black-and-white photograph of a sculpture titled "Female Deity With a Figure at Her Knee," created by an artist identified as Tera Cotta from Campeche, Mexico, dating back to 600-1200 A.D. The text describes the sculpture as a significant example of American art that predates European influences, emphasizing the advanced level of civilization in the Americas before the arrival of Europeans.
The article also mentions Harriet Hammond, who appreciates the artistic and cultural value of this piece, comparing it to the art of ancient China and Egypt. The text highlights the sophistication of Mayan art and its ability to convey rhythm and life, independent of European artistic traditions. The author suggests that this piece, and others like it, demonstrate that American artists were capable of producing great work without European influence, and that future generations may recognize this as well.
The image shows a printed page from what appears to be an old magazine or journal. The publication is titled "The Art Digest," and the date noted at the top is December 1, 1930. The headline of the article reads "American Art Without a European Influence," indicating that the content discusses aspects of American art that have developed independently of European art traditions.
On the left side of the page, there is a black-and-white photograph of a sculpture with the caption: "'Head, Body, Left & Figure at Hue Hue, Terra Cotta, Comprida, Mexico, 11th B. C." The sculpture depicts a figure, presumably from an ancient Mesoamerican culture, with notable wear and degradation suggesting its antiquity.
The text of the article is too small to read clearly in this image, but it likely discusses themes related to American (perhaps specifically Mesoamerican) artistic traditions and how they differ from or stand independent of European influences. The page shows signs of age with discoloration and frayed edges, and three hole punches on the left side suggest it was once bound in a folder or file.
The image is a page from "The Art Digest" magazine dated 1st December 1930. The headline on the page reads "American Art Without a European Influence."
The page contains an article discussing American art distinct from European influence, featuring commentary from Harriet Hammond, who references an ancient artifact. The artifact in question is the "Female Deity With a Figure at Her Knee" from Terra Cotta, Campeche, Mexico, 1100 B.C. The artifact is described as a "Young Maize God," an early American sculpture, drawing comparisons to ancient Chinese and Egyptian art.
There is an image of the terracotta sculpture in the upper left section of the page, depicting a seated female figure with intricate detailing while holding another figure at knee level. The accompanying text elaborates on the cultural significance and artistic attributes of the sculpture, positioning it within the context of the Mayan civilization.
The page also features two punched holes on the left side, indicating it was likely part of a binder or collection for preservation. The layout is clean, with the text taking up most of the page below the image, which is approximately a third of its height.
This image shows a page from a publication titled "The Art Digest," dated 1st December 1930. The main headline on the page reads "American Art Without a European Influence."
There is a black and white image of a sculpture on the left side, with a caption underneath that reads:
"'Female Deity With a Figure at Her Knee.'
Terra Cotta, Campeche, Mexico, 100 B.C. to 600 A.D."
The text discusses American art, particularly emphasizing the significance of American art that is uninfluenced by European traditions. It references a movement against foreign influence and foreign competition in American art and highlights the Mayan cultural and artistic heritage. The article mentions a sculpture called the "Young Maize God" and praises it as a masterpiece that is distinctly American in its cultural roots.
Overall, the article advocates for recognizing and valuing American art based on indigenous and local traditions, without relying on European models. The page has some hole punches on the left side, indicating it may have been stored in a binder.
The image shows a page from The Art Digest, dated 1st December 1930, featuring an article titled "American Art Without a European Influence." The page includes a black-and-white photograph of a sculpture labeled "Female Deity With a Figure at Her Knee," identified as a Terra Cotta artifact from Campeche, Mexico, dating from 100 B.C. to 600 A.D.
Photograph of the Sculpture:
Text Content:
The page serves as a historical and artistic commentary, celebrating the Maya civilization's artistic achievements and promoting the idea that American art can be appreciated on its own merits, without needing to emulate European styles. The inclusion of the photograph and detailed description underscores the article's focus on cultural pride and artistic autonomy.