Carved stone lintel from Temple 23, Yaxchilan, 726 AD, showing the ruler Shield Jaguar and his wife, Lady Xoc, conducting a bloodletting ritual, from 'The Ancient Cities of the New World'

Discover the allure of art with our faithful reproduction of "Carved stone lintel from Temple 23, Yaxchilan, 726 AD, showing the ruler Shield Jaguar and his wife, Lady Xoc, conducting a bloodletting ritual, from 'The Ancient Cities of the New World'", originally brought to life by the talented Henri Michel Antoine Chapu. Unlike posters or prints, our hand-painted oil painting breathes an unique sense of depth and texture into your space. Every detail, every stroke, and every texture is meticulously recreated, paying the perfect homage to Henri Michel Antoine Chapu and his artistic vision.

Owning this piece is more than just decoration - it's a statement of your refined taste in art. Let the vibrant colors and intricate details of this replica serve as a daily reminder of the beauty in our world. Elevate your decor and appreciate the richness of art with our replica of this masterpiece.

The carved stone lintel from Temple 23 at Yaxchilan, dated to 726 AD, is a significant piece of Maya iconography that offers a vivid glimpse into the ritualistic practices of the ancient civilization. This lintel is one of the many that adorned the structures at Yaxchilan, an important Maya city located on the banks of the Usumacinta River in what is now Chiapas, Mexico. The relief depicts the ruler Shield Jaguar, also known as Itzamnaaj B'alam II, alongside his wife, Lady Xoc, engaged in a bloodletting ceremony, a ritual that was integral to Maya religious and political life.

The lintel is a masterful work of art that combines both portraiture and narrative, capturing the royal figures in a moment of piety and self-sacrifice. Shield Jaguar is typically shown holding a torch, while Lady Xoc is depicted in the act of pulling a thorny rope through her tongue, an act of bloodletting meant to communicate with the gods and ancestors. The intricate carvings also include hieroglyphic inscriptions that provide context and date the event, adding to the historical significance of the artifact.

The depiction of such rituals on architectural elements like lintels was a means of legitimizing the ruler's authority and divine right to rule, as well as a demonstration of piety and dedication to the gods. The lintel from Temple 23 is particularly notable for its well-preserved state and the clarity of its imagery, which has allowed scholars to gain deeper insights into the religious and social practices of the Maya elite.

This artifact was brought to wider international attention through the works of explorers and researchers such as Henri Michel Antoine Chapu, whose book "The Ancient Cities of the New World" includes descriptions and illustrations of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, including the Maya. The carved stone lintel remains an invaluable resource for understanding the complex ceremonial life of the ancient Maya and the role of rulers within their society.

When you order this oil painting replica, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to paint. If the artwork is more complex, it might need a little more time to ensure the best quality. Once it's ready, we'll send you a photo for your approval. After you give the green light, we'll ship it to you for free.

We believe in the quality of our hand-painted oil painting reproductions, and your satisfaction is our priority. If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer a 45-day return policy. You can return your artwork within 45 days of receipt and receive a full refund. Please note that the artwork must be returned in the original packaging and in the same condition as it was received.