Maya Art

Architecture > Ancient
Art > History
Art > Painting
Art > Sculpture

Maya Art

An examination of the stylistic elements of Maya art and the similarities and differences apparent in the architecture and the sculptures of Maya art.

2,879 words () | 3 sources | MLA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses Maya sculptures and other artwork from the period AD 300-800. It discusses the stylistic elements of Maya art that are found in different cities throughout Guatemala. The paper then looks at the many similarities and differences apparent in the architecture and the sculptures of Maya art. The paper concludes that by seeing the Maya cities in person is truly the only way to appreciate the beauty and minute intricacies of Maya sculptures, architecture and paintings.

From the Paper:

"Peter D. Harrison's book The Lords of Tikal and Carolyn E. Tate's Yaxchilan both provide marked differences between the architecture and sculptures of Tikal and Yaxchilan. In Tate's book, she provides many visual structures I was able to see and enjoy, whereas, Harrison provided more information on the artwork. Because of these differences, I found Harrison's book on Tikal much more useful and the information more organized for use in my research for this paper, than Tate's book on Yaxchilan. I believe that by seeing the Maya cities in person is truly the only way to appreciate the beauty and minute intricacies of Maya sculptures, architecture, and paintings."

Sample of Sources Used:

Harrison, Peter D. The Lords of Tikal. London: Thames and Hudson, 1999.
Miller, Mary Ellen. Maya Art and Architecture. London: Thames and Hudson, 1999.
Tate, Carolyn E. Yaxchilan: The Design of a Maya Ceremonial City. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1992.