Artwork
Palace of the Nuns at Uxmal (detail from the façade of the snake)
Palace of the Nuns at Uxmal (detail from the façade of the snake) is a photography by the Impressionist artist Claude-Joseph-Désiré Charnay. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This photograph, taken around 1860 by Claude-Joseph-Désiré Charnay, captures a detailed section of the façade of the Palace of the Nuns at Uxmal. It is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents a close-up view of an ancient stone structure adorned with intricate carvings, including geometric patterns and symbolic motifs. The carvings may convey narrative or symbolic significance, although their specific meaning is not immediately clear.
Technique & Style
The photograph showcases the ornate details of the building's façade, with the use of early photographic techniques capturing the textures and patterns of the stone carvings. The composition highlights the intricate arrangements of shapes and symbols.
History & Provenance
The Palace of the Nuns at Uxmal is an ancient Mayan site, and this photograph documents its condition in the mid-19th century. The image is now held at The Cleveland Museum of Art, serving as a historical record of the site's architecture.
Artist & collection
Artist
Claude-Joseph Désiré Charnay was a French traveller and archaeologist notable both for his explorations of Mexico and Central America, and for the pioneering use of photography to document his discoveries.
