**Item Description: Joseph Lyndon Smith's Painting of Stela N at Copan**
Joseph Lyndon Smith, renowned for his vivid representations of Mesoamerican archaeological sites, captures the essence of Stela N at Copan in this masterful painting. Erected by the 15th ruler, Smoke Shell, on the 17th of March, 761 AD, Stela N stands as a testament to the artistic innovation and spiritual significance of the time. Located at the pivotal junction leading to the East Court and the northern facade of Temple 11, this monument is believed to mark the burial site of Smoke Shell, adding layers of historical depth to its standing.
Smith's artwork illuminates the intricacy of Stela N, focusing on its remarkable feature: the king depicted in full relief on both the front and rear, with divine symbols elegantly extending to the sides. This unique portrayal enhances the three-dimensional aspect of the monument, making the single columns of glyphs on each side appear as integral parts of the king's regal backrack. The glyphs, nearly fully decipherable, offer insights into the dates and ceremonial significance of Stela N, including references to cosmic events and ancestral ties.
The east side of the stela, detailed with precision in Smith's work, narrates the calendrical count and the sacred ceremonies tied to the Maize God, hinting at the eternal cycle of life and rebirth. This aspect is visually echoed in the depiction of human figures sprouting from behind the ruler's knees, symbolizing Smoke Shell's ancestral lineage and his embodiment of the Maize God. Above these figures, Smith captures the tangled tree of life, from which anthropomorphic beings and animals emerge, further emphasizing the theme of creation and continuity.
On the altar to Stela N, Smith continues his exploration of symbolic complexity. He portrays the altar with its four faces and the absence of a tangible body, reflecting on the cardinal directions and the cosmic bearers of the universe. The painting intricately displays the zoomorphic and skeletal imagery, with attention to the peculiar clawed limb and the hands resting under the chin, suggesting a dual interpretation of the altar as both a sacred object and Smoke Shell's throne.
Smith's painting of Stela N at Copan is not just an artistic recreation but a portal into the spiritual and historical essence of the Maya civilization. Through his meticulous attention to detail and his profound understanding of Mesoamerican iconography, Smith offers viewers a glimpse into the ancient world of Copan, immortalizing its beauty and significance for generations to come.
