Sun-Stealer

Yes, another ancient Mesoamerican Jaguar piece! I've always been fascinated by those cultures, like the Aztecs, Mayans, and especially the Olmecs. This is a combination of bits and pieces of various artworks and stories; here, the jaguar-man is a sort of trickster, stealing a symbolic "sun" from Huehueteotl's fire brazier. Is he Tezcatlipoca in his guise as Tepeyollotl? Or a jaguar shapeshifter? Or...? I'll leave that up to you!

Again, he's stylized in my not-quite-real way. Obviously real jaguars don't look like that! His "leaning-forward" pose is often seen in ancient Mesoamerican art; it is thought it symbolizes royalty. Behind him is an adaptation of an Olmec "were-jaguar" mask. The rest of his ornamentations (except for the mask and part of the fire brazier) are inspired by various Mesoamerican artworks, but aren't based on any particular pieces. Again, the headdress is stylized, not drawn to look like the real quetzal feathers and other organic materials the ancients actually used.

I tried a different, lighter style of coloring here; I didn't do as much detailing as usual. I was getting over a long illness when I finished this, so I'm unhappy with the coloring (which I touched up in Photoshop) and the spots; I wasn't trying to be completely accurate but I would love to re-do this someday, maybe in oils.

Micron pens, watercolor, gouache on Strathmore watercolor paper. Photoshop touchups.

I have to take the time to give credit to Clare Bell's fantastic, well-researched, and fascinating story, The Jaguar Princess [link] , for re-igniting my love for ancient Mesoamerican cultures. Definitely hunt down a copy of this book!