The artwork, named “Seated Male Deity,” is a stone sculpture from the Post-classic period of Aztec Art, dated between 1450 and 1521. This mythological sculpture, considered part of the post-classic art movement (circa 900-1580), is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, United States.
The sculpture features a deity in a seated posture, characterized by simplified and abstract forms. The male deity’s figure is rendered with a pronounced head-dress and stylized facial features. Crafted in stone, the surface showcases a rough texture, which highlights the ancient and enduring nature of the piece. The seated position and overarching form suggest a sense of stability and reverence, common in mythological depictions from this period. The sculpture embodies the spiritual and artistic inclinations of the Aztec culture, reflecting their intricate mythology and sophisticated stone carving techniques.