iconography

Aztec masks of Xipe Totec

Attribution:

Bill Hails

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The Aztec masks of Xipe Totec were purchased from A.P. Maudslay in 1902.

The Aztec masks of Xipe Totec are representations of the Mexica god of fertility, Xipe Totec. These masks are thought not to be authentic Mexica art as iconographic studies have shown that the masks hold different iconography. Such as the masks having three hands holding objects like a spear, shield and trophy. This is not insync with authentic Mexica representations of Xipe Totec as the god of fertility is usually represented with two hands which are never dipicted holding objects, but rather the hands are shown wearing flayed human skin. It is suggested that these masks were actually made in the 19th century by collectors and museums based on the style of Mexica art.

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Archaism in Roman Art Explored in Los Angeles Pompeii Exhibit

Submitted by Mary Harrsch on Mon, 08/31/2009 - 17:23

Each time I visit Pompeii I discover something new that I had not seen before. Likewise, with exhibits about Pompeii and the ancient Roman communities surrounding Mount Vesuvius, I learn something about Roman culture that I had not encountered before. Last week when I attended the exhibit, "Pompeii and the Roman Villa: Art and Culture Around The Bay of Naples" at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, I was fascinated by information about and examples of archaeized Roman art of the 1st century BCE - 1st century CE.

%QUOTEArchaism is the term applied to art produced after 480 BCE that incorporates stylistic elements used in Greek art of the archaic period (700-480 BCE). These elements include facial features, such as hair with spiral or corkscrew or tight curls across the forehead, high cheekbones, heavy lidded eyes or a slight smile.

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Pioneering Laser-scan Technology Brings Rome's Catacombs to Life

Submitted by Bija Knowles on Wed, 07/01/2009 - 11:59

A group of international archaeologists and scientists have completed the first phase of a massive project to laser-scan Rome's Domitilla Catacombs, and are currently analysing their data. The project, which has so far lasted three years, intends to capture a three dimensional image of the catacombs' huge network of underground chambers.

The process is based on a sophisticated laser scan technique, which creates a 3D 'point cloud' of the interior of each section of the catacomb from recorded coordinates. This is then digitally combined with photos taken from a camera attached to the scanner, achieving a 3D photographic model based on real and accurate data, which can be explored and studied in several different ways.

About The Author

Bija Knowles
Bija Knowles is a freelance journalist based outside Rome, Italy. She graduated in Italian and English Literature from the University of Birmingham, UK, and her main areas of interest are art, travel and history in Italy.

Last three pieces by this author: Brittania Superior 'v' Brittania Inferior: the Roman Roots of Britain's North-South Divide, The Ara Pacis As You've Never Seen it Before, Caravaggio: Gay Icon Born Too Late?

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What does the cross represent?

Submitted by wadders on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 05:03

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iconography

Aztec masks of Xipe Totec

Archaism in Roman Art Explored in Los Angeles Pompeii Exhibit

Pioneering Laser-scan Technology Brings Rome's Catacombs to Life

What does the cross represent?

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