You make several insightful observations about Aztec stone works and art style:
1) Aztec art lacked realism and idealization. Unlike Greek art which aimed to capture realistic and ideal proportions, Aztec art stylized shapes and figures. It emphasized symbolic meaning over realism. Sculptures were not meant to look completely realistic or proportional.
2) Aztec art had a monstrous and grotesque appearance. Statues often featured exaggerated and disturbing elements like jagged teeth, lolling tongues, bulbous heads, etc. The Coatlicue statue in particular was meant to depict a goddess as a monstrous and fearsome figure. This shocked the Spaniards who saw it as too grotesque.
3) The lack of realism and monstrous style was intentional. Aztec art was symbolic, not meant to imitate reality. Distorted and exaggerated features represented deities, rituals and symbolic meaning in their religion and culture. The monstrous sculptures instilled fear in enemies and demonstrated the power of their gods.
4) The stone works demonstrated the advanced stonemasonry skills of the Aztecs. Despite the lack of realism, their stone sculptures, pavements, step pyramids, and monumental architecture displayed remarkable stone shaping, carving and fitting abilities. This showcased the technical capabilities and cultural achievements of their civilization.
5) The Spanish reburied the Coatlicue statue, overwhelmed by its symbolic meaning and fearsome visage. They did not understand the symbolic religious significance of such monstrous grotesque motifs in Aztec art. So they viewed it as too uncivilized and barbaric, choosing to bury it again.
In summary, Aztec stone works and art lacked realism in favor of symbolic meaning. Distorted and monstrous motifs were intentional, representing deities and power. These stone sculptures, along with their monumental architecture, demonstrated the advanced skills and cultural achievements of the Aztec civilization, though their symbolic style was quite different from Greek realism. Their grotesque religious motifs overwhelmed and shocked the Spanish, who did not comprehend them.
Does this help analyze and discuss key points about Aztec stone works, art style, lack of realism, monstrous motifs and how these impacted both the Aztecs and Spanish? Let me know if you have any other questions or want me to explain any part of the summary in more depth. I can also discuss other topics related to Aztec culture, religion, history, etc.
The main ideas to keep in mind are: symbolic meaning over realism, monstrous motifs represent deities and power, demonstrates skill and achievement, overwhelmed and incomprehensible to the Spanish. Aztec art was distinctive in style, symbolic religious purpose and the technical capabilities it showcased.
Please let me know if this helps provide insight into their stone works and cultural artistic expression. I can discuss this topic further if you have additional questions!
