Maya Painting In A Major And Minor Key

Abstract

In this essay, Maya painting traditions of both small scale and monumental are considered in light of two other world traditions of painting, Greek and Moche. Attention is given to the possible relationship between slip-based vase painting and wall painting, as well as the nature and implications of such a relationship, with some consideration of both style and iconography. For Maya painting, particular attention is directed to the wall paintings of San Bartolo and Uaxactun, Guatemala, and Calakmul and Bonampak, Mexico.