A Quadrangle Group consists of a series of range-type structures ordered around a large, open courtyard. In this type of building configuration, it is not crucial that the four sides of the court space are closed off. In its simplest form, however, the Quadrangle Group consists of four buildings completely surrounding a central space. Entry into the courtyard is generally achieved through a door or archway located at the centre point(s) of one or more of the peripheral buildings. Like Palace Groups, Quadrangle Groups are also located on large, elevated platforms designed to distinguish them from the surrounding environment (Andrews 1975: 63).
Originally, my objective in this study was to analyse and interpret the distribution of sculptural themes associated with examples of all four of Andrews’s (1975) building group archetypes (i. e., Temple Groups, Palace Groups, Quadrangle Groups, and Acropolis Groups); structures found to comply with Andrews’s definitions included the Palenque Cross Group, the Palenque Palace, the Uxmal Nunnery Quadrangle, and the Copan Acropolis (see Figure 2.7). Time and space, however, permitted the inclusion of only two of the structural types just outlined. Subsequently, I have chosen to focus the analytical component of this study on the Palenque Cross Group and the Palenque Palace. Given the consistency at which these building forms are found at different Maya city centres, I saw value in their use for the purposes of my investigation, as both provided broad spatial complexes suitable for my study while permitting the formulation of generalised arguments concerning the behaviour associated with art and architecture among the Classic Maya.
World History
