The Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth announced Wednesday that it had acquired a jadeite statue from the Olmec civilization.
The statue, which dates back thousands of years, is described as “one of the most renowned sculptures from ancient Mesoamerica.”
Called Standing Figure Holding a Were-Jaguar Baby, it was made between approximately 900 B.C. and 300 B.C.
While there are a total of 11 published Olmec sculptures depicting similar iconography, this statue is the only one carved from jade and one of only three that portrays a human figure standing and holding an infant vertically across his chest. In the other statues, the infant is seated on the human figure’s lap, according to the museum.
Officials said that the 8.5-inch tall statue is “the most significant work of ancient American art in the Kimbell’s collection.”
“Few Olmec objects have the history, aesthetic quality, and iconographic significance of this superb jade figure,” said Jennifer Casler Price, senior curator of Asian, African, and ancient American art, at the museum. “I am absolutely thrilled that we are able to add this incredibly eloquent sculpture to the ancient American collection.”
The statue has had a long history of exhibition and study since it was first documented in 1829. It has appeared in the collection of various art museums since it was first acquired in 1947 by Alastair B. Martin, founder of the Guennol Collection.
“Thanks to the foresight and generosity of collector Alastair Martin, this astonishingly beautiful masterpiece of Olmec jade carving has been on display for the public for more than 75 years, studied by scholars and appreciated by general museum visitors,” said Eric Lee, director of the Kimbell Art Museum.
“I am incredibly pleased to have the opportunity to continue that tradition. By acquiring one of the most important cultural touchstones of Olmec art for the Kimbell, we can assure that it will forever remain on view, available to all who want to appreciate its beauty and cultural significance.”
The statue will go on display starting Friday, where it will be the centerpiece of the ancient American collection.
The Kimbell Art Museum was listed earlier this year as one of the best museums to visit in the DFW area, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.