History of the Art of Sculpture in Peru

The history of the art of sculpture in Peru reflects the rich cultural heritage of the civilizations that have occupied Peruvian territory, from the ancient pre-Columbian cultures to the present day. Here is an overview of this evolution:

### 1. **Pre-Columbian Period**
Sculpture in Peru began with ancient cultures, who created works in stone, clay and wood. Among the most notable are:

- **Chavín Culture (900–200 BC):** Known for its stone sculptures, such as the stone heads found in Chavín de Huantar. These works had religious and magical functions, representing anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures.

- **Moche Culture (100–700 AD):** The Moche were masters in the creation of ceramic sculptures, many of which were in the form of portraits of leaders or mythological figures. They also created intricate reliefs carved into the walls of their temples.

- **Nazca Culture (100 BCE–800 CE):** The Nazca were known for their ceramic sculptures, often in the form of zoomorphic or anthropomorphic figures.

- **Tiahuanaco Culture (500–1000 CE):** Originating from the Andean highlands, this culture produced large-scale stone sculptures, such as the famous "Sun Gate" and monoliths that represented deities and human figures.

- **Inca Empire (1400–1533 CE):** The Incas were not known for monumental sculptures, but they created beautiful works in stone, such as the walls of their buildings, which were fitted together perfectly without the use of mortar. They also carved small religious objects in gold and silver.

### 2. **Colonial Period (1533–1821)**
With the arrival of the Spanish, the art of sculpture in Peru underwent a significant transformation. European influences, mainly those brought by the Catholic Church, introduced new styles and themes. The Spanish Baroque had a great impact:

- **Religious images:** Numerous sculptures of saints and scenes from the life of Christ were created, in wood and plaster, which decorated churches and cathedrals. Mestizo art resulted in the fusion of indigenous techniques with new European styles.

- **Cuzco:** It became one of the main centers of production of religious sculpture. The works of this period were decorative and highly detailed, reflecting the Andean Baroque style.

### 3. **19th and Early 20th Centuries**
After Peru's independence, sculpture remained strongly influenced by European styles. However, over time, artists began to seek a national identity, reflecting indigenous and historical Peruvian themes.

- **Neoclassical:** During the 19th century, the neoclassical style gained prominence, influenced by European academies. Many statues of independence heroes and historical figures were commissioned for public squares.

- **Modernism and Avant-garde (early 20th century):** With the advent of modernism, Peruvian sculpture began to experiment with new materials and forms of expression. Artists began to break away from academicism, adopting more abstract and experimental forms.

### 4. **Contemporary Sculpture**
In the 20th century, Peruvian sculpture entered a period of diversification. Sculptors began to work with a wide variety of materials, such as metals, concrete, and recycled materials. The focus on indigenous and social themes became more prevalent, reflecting issues of cultural identity and the country's history.

- **Joaquín Roca Rey (1923–2004):** One of Peru’s most influential sculptors of the 20th century, Roca Rey blended modernism with indigenous themes, creating abstract sculptures that reflect Peru’s landscape and history.

- **Victor Delfín:** Another major contemporary Peruvian sculptor, known for his monumental sculptures of animals and human figures, often made from recycled metal. His work “El Beso” is one of Lima’s most iconic sculptures.

Today, sculpture in Peru continues to evolve, with artists exploring the interplay between ancient cultures and modernity. Public art has gained traction, and many Peruvian cities have sculptures that celebrate the country’s cultural heritage and identity.

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