Updated October 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 70 works by Aztec Empire in our catalogue
Summary
According to this ranking, Mosaic of a Double-headed Serpent (1521) is the most famous painting by Aztec Empire; the British Museum, London, holds it. It is followed by Head from a Figure, Xochipilli Macuilxochitl (1521) and Figure (1521). This list draws on the 70 works by Aztec Empire in the catalogue and records the 70 most famous, with date, holding museum and description for each entry.
To gaze upon this mosaic of a double-headed serpent is to step directly into the vibrant, myth-laden heart of the Aztec Empire. It is not merely an object of decoration; it is a captured echo of profound belief, a testament to a civilization whose artistry wove the sacred into the very fabric of daily existence. The serpentine form dominates the composition, its sinuous body rendered in breathtaking detail across countless…
The obsidian head before us—a dark, almost brooding presence—isn’t merely a sculpture; it's a portal into the vibrant and complex world of the Aztec Empire. Carved in the early 16th century, just decades before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, this intimate portrait of Xochipilli Macuilxochitl offers a rare and compelling glimpse into the beliefs, artistry, and ultimately, the fleeting beauty of a vanished civilization. The piece speaks not only…
Before you stands an echo from a civilization whose very name whispers tales of empire and profound spiritual depth: the magnificent "Figure" sculpture. Carved from enduring stone, this piece is not merely an object of antiquity; it is a frozen moment of sacred contemplation. The overall impression is one of solemn power, a tangible connection to the sophisticated worldview of the Aztec people who flourished in the heart of Mesoamerica.…
To gaze upon this fragment is to reach across the vast chasm of five centuries, touching the solemn breath of an empire long dissolved into myth and archaeological wonder. This kneeling male figure, carved from a dark, porous stone—perhaps basalt itself—is more than mere sculpture; it is a captured moment of profound spiritual engagement. The very texture of the material speaks of time, bearing the patina of ritual smoke and…
Serpent Labret with Articulated Tongue The Serpent Labret with Articulated Tongue stands as a testament to the unparalleled artistry of the Aztec Empire—a singular achievement in goldwork that embodies both exquisite craftsmanship and profound symbolic meaning. Discovered in 1937, this remarkable ornament now resides at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York City), where it continues to captivate visitors with its mesmerizing beauty and intricate detail. Its provenance is traced…
To hold this piece in your mind is to encounter the quiet strength of the Post-classic period. This small, metallic figure, likely worn close to the body, captures a warrior in a moment of poised readiness. The figure is rendered with a striking sense of presence, characterized by a prominent nose, wide eyes, and a slightly protruding mouth that gives the face a distinct, human character. There is a certain…
This monochrome photograph captures an ancient Aztec sculpture titled Figure. The piece presents a stylized representation of a human figure, likely a deity or important individual within the Aztec culture. Set against a dark background that emphasizes its intricate details, the sculpture is positioned slightly off-center towards the right of the frame.
This ceramic vessel, produced around 1521 by Aztec artists, takes the shape of a stylized vulture. The object is constructed from earthenware with a robust, cylindrical body. Four curved legs support the structure, positioned to suggest a sense of movement or a bird prepared to perch. The surface is primarily covered in a reddish-brown hue, likely derived from iron oxide pigments. Black glaze defines specific areas, creating bands that outline…
The Aztec sculpture titled "Standard Bearer," a remarkable testament to the artistry and symbolic depth of the pre-Columbian civilization, stands as more than just a carved stone figure. It’s a window into a complex society—a warrior, a leader, a conduit between the earthly realm and the divine. Dating back to approximately 1450-1521 CE, this piece, originating from the region of Veracruz, offers a tangible connection to a world both familiar…
Crested Figure (Macuilxochitl): Echoes of Aztec Cosmology The photograph presents a striking depiction of an Aztec sculpture titled “Crested Figure (Macuilxochitl),” originating from the 15th–early 16th century during the height of the Mexica Empire. This artwork embodies the artistic spirit of Mesoamerica, reflecting profound religious beliefs and political authority—a testament to the enduring legacy of a civilization that captivated imaginations for centuries. Overall Impression: The image captures a sculpture crafted…
Seated Male Deity (Ehecatl)1521 · Metropolitan Museum of Art
12
Seated Male Deity1521 · Metropolitan Museum of Art
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Kneeling Female Figure1521 · Metropolitan Museum of Art
14
Labret, Eagle Head1521 · Metropolitan Museum of Art
15
Miniature Bowl1521 · Metropolitan Museum of Art
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Fragment of An Anthropomorphic Brazier1300
17
Riutal Stone (Pulidor)1521 · Metropolitan Museum of Art
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Ear Spool1521 · Metropolitan Museum of Art
19
Seated Female Deity1521 · Metropolitan Museum of Art
20
Aztec Sun Stone (Calendar Stone)1427
21
Mictlantecuhtl1480
22
Eagle Warrior1469
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Coyote1500
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Warrior's Teponaztli1500
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Macuilxochitl Teponaztli Votive1500
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Xiuhmolpilli (1 Death)1500
27
Hunchback1500
28
Dead Warrior Brazier1500
29
Crested figure (Macuilxochitl)1521
30
Stamp, Feline Profile1521
31
Seated Male Deity1521 · Metropolitan Museum of Art
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Bell1521 · Metropolitan Museum of Art
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Spider Monkey1521 · Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art
34
Cihuateotl1521 · Metropolitan Museum of Art
35
Stamp1521 · Metropolitan Museum of Art
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Feathered Serpent Ornament1521 · Metropolitan Museum of Art
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Relief1521 · Metropolitan Museum of Art
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Eagle Head OrnamentMetropolitan Museum of Art
39
Skull PendantMetropolitan Museum of Art
40
Stamp1521 · Metropolitan Museum of Art
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Female DeityMetropolitan Museum of Art
42
Tripod BowlMetropolitan Museum of Art
43
Maize Deity (Chicomecoatl)Metropolitan Museum of Art
44
Seated Female DeityMetropolitan Museum of Art
45
Kneeling Male FigureMetropolitan Museum of Art
46
Seated MaleMetropolitan Museum of Art
47
Ritual Stone (pulidor)1521 · Metropolitan Museum of Art
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Solar Plate1500
49
Serpent Head1521
50
Pipe1521 · Metropolitan Museum of Art
51
Seated Male DeityMetropolitan Museum of Art
52
Lip PlugMetropolitan Museum of Art
53
Necklace Ornaments, FrogsMetropolitan Museum of Art
54
Uilacapitztli (Pottery Flute)Metropolitan Museum of Art
55
Miniature Pedestal BowlMetropolitan Museum of Art
56
Tlazolteotl (Birthing Figure)Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection
57
Standard-Bearer1519
58
Drum (Teponaztli)Metropolitan Museum of Art
59
Tripod Vessel with Date GlyphMetropolitan Museum of Art
60
BowlMetropolitan Museum of Art
61
Maize Deity (Chicomecoatl)Metropolitan Museum of Art
62
Stamp, ButterflyMetropolitan Museum of Art
63
FluteMetropolitan Museum of Art
64
Miniature Pedestal BowlMetropolitan Museum of Art
65
Ear OrnamentMetropolitan Museum of Art
66
Miniature Tripod VaseMetropolitan Museum of Art
67
Stamp, MonkeyMetropolitan Museum of Art
68
BowlMetropolitan Museum of Art
69
Flat Stamp with Geometric FlowerMetropolitan Museum of Art
70
BladeMetropolitan Museum of Art
The four subjects most frequently represented among these works, each with its best-known example.
The 5 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Aztec Empire | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 Metropolitan Museum of Art |
New York | 51 | Head from a Figure, Xochipilli Macuilxochitl, Figure, Kneeling Male Figure |
 British Museum |
London | 1 | Mosaic of a Double-headed Serpent |
 Cleveland Museum of Art |
Cleveland | 1 | Pendent in the Shape of a Warrior |
 Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art |
Providence | 1 | Spider Monkey |
 Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection |
Washington, D.C. | 1 | Tlazolteotl (Birthing Figure) |
Select a decade to display its principal painting.
To hold this piece in your mind is to encounter the quiet strength of the Post-classic period. This small, metallic figure, likely worn close to the body, captures a warrior in a moment of poised readiness. The figure is rendered with a striking sense of presence, characterized by a prominent nose, wide eyes, and a slightly protruding mouth that gives the face a distinct, human character. There is a certain…
The Aztec Sun Stone (Calendar Stone) is a significant work attributed to the Aztec Empire. Carved by the Mexica at the end of the Mesoamerican Postclassic Period, this monolith provides a direct link to the final era of its creators. It is a substantial piece of stone that reflects the sophisticated craftsmanship of its time.
The artwork titled Eagle Warrior is a terracotta sculpture created by the Aztec Empire. This piece dates to about 1469. The subject of the work is an Aztec Eagle Warrior, a specific figure within the military and social hierarchy of the civilization. The sculpture is an anthropomorphic representation of this warrior class.
A weathered, pale-grey statue of a child figure emerges from a void of absolute black. The surface is heavily eroded, marked by deep cracks and fissures that trace the contours of its form. One arm is raised in a gesture of offering or supplication, while the face remains stylized and serene despite the significant structural damage. The material appears granular, suggesting a composition of plaster or a similar mineral compound…
This work, titled Coyote, is a significant piece attributed to the Aztec Empire. It represents a stylized depiction of the coyote, a figure deeply embedded in the mythology of the region. The sculpture offers a formal, rhythmic interpretation of the animal, moving away from strict naturalism toward a more symbolic form.
This stark figure displays the minimalism and monumentality of Aztec stone sculpture. The rigid pose resembles the block of stone from which it was carved. In contrast, the loincloth knot and ear and nose ornaments are rendered in skillful detail. Large sculptures like this one stood at the top of Aztec temple stairways. During ceremonies, this Standard-Bearer would have held a banner in the right hand and flowers or paper…
To gaze upon this mosaic of a double-headed serpent is to step directly into the vibrant, myth-laden heart of the Aztec Empire. It is not merely an object of decoration; it is a captured echo of profound belief, a testament to a civilization whose artistry wove the sacred into the very fabric of daily existence. The serpentine form dominates the composition, its sinuous body rendered in breathtaking detail across countless…
Mosaic of a Double-headed Serpent (1521), British Museum, London. The following entries are Head from a Figure, Xochipilli Macuilxochitl (1521) and Figure (1521).
221 years: Aztec Empire was born in 1300 and Mosaic of a Double-headed Serpent is dated 1521.
Mosaic of a Double-headed Serpent, Head from a Figure, Xochipilli Macuilxochitl, Figure, Kneeling Male Figure, Serpent Labret with Articulated Tongue, Pendent in the Shape of a Warrior, Figure, Vulture Vessel, Standard Bearer and Crested Figure (Macuilxochitl). The list above records the date and holding museum of each.
The catalogue records 70 works by Aztec Empire, dated between 1350 and 1521.
Principally in Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), British Museum (London) and Cleveland Museum of Art (Cleveland). The museum table above gives the full distribution.
In 1520s: 29 of the 70 works listed on this page are dated to that period, including Mosaic of a Double-headed Serpent.
The earliest dated work listed here is Pendent in the Shape of a Warrior (1350); the latest is Mosaic of a Double-headed Serpent (1521).
Mesoamerica (21), Sculpture (17) and Ancient art (10), out of the 70 works listed on this page.
Stone, in 19 of the 70 works listed on this page.
Head from a Figure, Xochipilli Macuilxochitl, Figure and Kneeling Male Figure are among the 51 works on this page in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
Yes. Each work listed on this page can be ordered from its own entry as a hand-painted oil reproduction or a fine art print, in a size of your choice.
The name “Aztec” – derived from the Nahuatl word *ātl-ce-tlācati–tlān*, meaning "people of many forms" – conjures images of a vast, complex empire that dominated Mesoamerica for centuries. More than just warriors and conquerors, the Aztecs were profoundly artistic individuals, weaving intricate beauty into every facet of their lives—from monumental architecture to delicate featherwork, from sacred rituals to daily objects. Their art wasn’t merely decorative; it was a vibrant language, communicating religious beliefs, political power, historical narratives, and social hierarchies within a society both rigidly structured and remarkably innovative.
Born in the early 14th century in Tenochtitlan, the heart of the Aztec Empire, the artistic traditions of the Aztecs were deeply rooted in the legacies of earlier Mesoamerican civilizations. The Olmecs, with their colossal heads and sophisticated calendar systems, the Teotihuacans, renowned for their massive pyramids and urban planning, and the Toltecs, masters of metalworking and sculpture, all contributed to the rich artistic tapestry that the Aztecs inherited. However, the Aztecs weren’t simply imitators; they synthesized these influences with their own unique aesthetic sensibilities, developing a distinctive style characterized by bold colors, intricate geometric patterns, and symbolic representations.
Aztec art was remarkably diverse, employing an astonishing range of materials and techniques. Stone carving held a prominent place, exemplified by monumental sculptures depicting deities, rulers, and mythical creatures. The massive Sun Stone (Calendar Stone), discovered in 1946, stands as a testament to their mastery of this medium—a complex, layered stone relief that combined calendrical information with cosmological symbolism. Skilled artisans also worked with wood, clay, feathers – particularly the vibrant quetzal plumes – jade, turquoise, obsidian, and gold, reflecting both wealth and status.
Featherwork was perhaps the most visually arresting aspect of Aztec art. Intricately crafted headdresses, cloaks, shields, and other decorative items were created using thousands of meticulously arranged feathers—a process requiring immense skill and patience. These objects weren’t merely beautiful; they served as potent symbols of authority, religious devotion, and social rank. The colors themselves held specific meanings: blue represented the heavens, green symbolized fertility, red signified warfare, and yellow represented the sun.
Furthermore, Aztec artists were masters of mosaic work, creating stunning decorative panels using small, precisely cut stone tiles. These mosaics adorned temples, palaces, and private residences, adding a layer of visual richness to the built environment. Their pottery was equally impressive, featuring intricate geometric designs and depictions of animals and deities.
Aztec art is replete with symbolism, each image carrying layers of meaning that required careful interpretation by priests, scribes, and rulers. The central deity, Huitzilopochtli, the god of war and sun, was frequently depicted in elaborate headdresses adorned with feathers and precious stones. Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god associated with knowledge, wisdom, and creation, held a prominent place in their pantheon and appeared in numerous artistic representations.
The calendar system—a remarkably sophisticated combination of solar and ritual cycles—was another recurring motif. Images of calendars, glyphs, and astronomical symbols were incorporated into sculptures, mosaics, and codices (illustrated books), reflecting the Aztecs’ deep understanding of time and cosmology. Representations of maize, the staple crop of their diet, symbolized sustenance and fertility. Animal imagery—particularly jaguars, eagles, snakes, and hummingbirds—carried symbolic significance related to power, courage, and divinity.
The Aztec Empire’s sudden collapse at the hands of Spanish conquistadors in 1521 resulted in a devastating loss for Mesoamerican culture. Tragically, much of their artistic heritage was destroyed during the conquest—temples were razed, sculptures smashed, and codices burned. However, despite these losses, fragments of Aztec art survive today, offering invaluable insights into this remarkable civilization.
Notable examples include the Sun Stone, a monumental sculpture that showcases the Aztecs’ advanced knowledge of astronomy and mathematics; intricate featherwork headdresses and cloaks preserved in museums around the world; and surviving codices—handwritten books containing historical accounts, religious beliefs, and calendrical information. The *Colección Andrés Blaisten* in Mexico houses a significant collection of Latin American art, including examples that illuminate Aztec artistic traditions.
The influence of the Aztec Empire’s artistic legacy can still be seen today, inspiring contemporary artists and designers alike. Their innovative techniques, symbolic imagery, and profound connection to nature continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. Exploring the art of the Aztecs is not merely an exercise in historical appreciation; it's a journey into the heart of a complex and captivating civilization—a testament to human creativity, ingenuity, and spiritual depth.
To explore more artworks from the Aztec Empire and other notable artists, visit WikiOO.org.
