As is typical of this type of figure, the legs are
spread wide apart with the hands placed firmly
on the knees. The chest reveals subtle breasts,
the torso is slim and shoulders broad. In keeping
with the overall fine harmony of form, the head
is beautifully modelled with a high forehead,
long ears, eyes slanting slightly downwards, and
a fairly large nose to balance the full lips.
Though referred to as 'baby' figures because of
the pose, this particular sculpture reveals a
maturity in the expression, with eyes staring
boldly at us touched by a hint of humor
continued in the gentle curve of the mouth. And
though the body reveals aspects of 'voluptuous'
baby fat, there is nonetheless a masculine power
in the limbs. This duality is characteristic of
Olmec art, where much is expressed in basically
simple forms, signifying depth of thought and
considerable artistic skill.
- (PF.3283)
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