Snakes at Temple

Hirsch, Stefan (American painter, 1899-1964)

archaeology; Serpentes; Chichen Itza Site (Mexico)

Chichén Itzá, Yucatán, Mexico

Playful and mysterious, here Hirsch uses the motif of the serpent among the ruins of a temple, probably at Chichen Itza. The Mayan feathered serpent deity, Kulkukan, was prominently represented throughout Chichen Itza, and Hirsch and Rogo likely encountered records of Kulkukan’s worship in the feathered serpent columns and hieroglyphic writing among the site.

Modernist

Stefan Hirsch and Elsa Rogo Collection, Bard College Archives

1930-1932

Prior written permission required to use any photograph from the Bard College Libraries.

charcoal on paper; 8.3x11.6 inches

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