Chess piecesCarlos Reyes · 2000

  • Creation date2000
  • MuseumMuseum of Ethnology Hamburg
The green and black jade chess pieces are designed after mythological and historical themes of the Maya. The king, portrayed as the maize god Ixiim, is modelled on a bust of the god that resides in a temple complex at the Copán archaeological site in Honduras. The motif chosen for the queen is the moon goddess Ix Uh, accompanied by a rabbit symbolising the moon. Further representations of significant animals from the mythology can be found in the pawns, which take the form of monkeys, and in the jaguar-like knights. The rook figures are inspired by the characteristic stepped pyramids of the ancient Mayan city of Tikal in northern Guatemala. The bishops recall the important Central American culture of the Olmec, which was at its height between 1200 and 300 BC.

Carlos Reyes (1977 –)

Explore the ephemeral beauty in Carlos Reyes' art! This Chicago-born artist (1977) creates captivating installations using diverse materials, blurring fragility & monumentality. Discover his unique blend of light, time, and form.

Museum of Ethnology Hamburg (Hamburg, Germany)

Explore the Museum of Ethnology Hamburg (MARKK), one of Europe's largest ethnology museums. Discover 350,000+ artifacts from Asia, Africa & the Americas, showcasing diverse cultures, art, and traditions since 1879.

About this artwork

  • Title: Chess pieces
  • Artist: Carlos Reyes
  • Year: 2000
  • Format: Landscape
  • Copyright status: Under copyright
  • Where to see it: Museum of Ethnology Hamburg
  • Color intensity: Monochromatic
  • Perceived brightness: deep_shadow

Questions & Answers

What level of contrast does "Chess pieces" by Carlos Reyes show?

The light-dark contrast of "Chess pieces" is recorded as bold. Contrast describes how strongly light and dark areas differ.

What saturation and intensity does "Chess pieces" by Carlos Reyes show?

The colors of "Chess pieces" by Carlos Reyes show a muted saturation with a monochromatic intensity.

Which artist is "Chess pieces" attributed to?

The artist behind "Chess pieces" is Carlos Reyes. The work is catalogued under Carlos Reyes's name.

What is the perceived brightness of "Chess pieces" by Carlos Reyes?

The perceived brightness of "Chess pieces" by Carlos Reyes is deep_shadow. It can be matched to the light of the intended space.

At what age did Carlos Reyes make "Chess pieces"?

Carlos Reyes made "Chess pieces" at the age of 23. The artist was born in 1977 and the work is dated 2000.

In what year was "Chess pieces" by Carlos Reyes created?

"Chess pieces" by Carlos Reyes was created in 2000.

Toward which tone does "Chess pieces" lean?

"Chess pieces" leans toward a green to violet spectrum tone.

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