Copan's Artistic Legacy Quiz

Study Notes

Copan, a renowned archaeological site, features a series of portrait stelae strategically placed around the central plaza and acropolis.
The stelae and architectural decorations showcase the pinnacle of ancient Mesoamerican artistic craftsmanship.
Copan structures boast elaborate stone sculptures, often crafted from mosaics of carved stones, making them manageable for individual transport.

An immense stone statue, towering over three meters, stands as a testament to the artistry of Copan.
Dating back to approximately AD 720, it is believed to depict the revered king, Waxaklajun Ub'aah K'awiil, in the guise of a maize deity.

While not discovered directly in front of the pyramid, the remaining sculptures inspired Catherwood to create captivating drawings.
Catherwood, leveraging his previous sketches, generated fresh artwork compositions in London, adding to his artistic legacy.

Copan is an ancient Maya city located in Western Honduras, near the border with Guatemala.
It is known for its intricate architecture and detailed artwork, some of the most impressive examples of ancient Maya craftsmanship.
Copan was first explored by John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood in 1839.
The city's rule was established by a warrior prince who declared himself king in AD 426, known as K'inich Yax K'uk Mo', meaning "Blue-Green Quetzal Macaw."
One of Copan's kings was known as "18 Rabbit."
Stephens and Catherwood published their findings in a book titled "Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatán" in 1841, showcasing maps, detailed drawings by Catherwood, and text by Stephens recounting their discoveries.

Frederick Catherwood's detailed drawings of Copan are notable for their accuracy in proportion and perspective.
He used a camera lucida, a device employing mirrors and prisms to project an image onto paper, resulting in accurate representations.
Catherwood later used lithography to create prints of his drawings, making his work accessible to a wider audience.