Read on Twitter
#CLST6 #FirstLookCloser
Here is Block XIII from the Parthenon's South frieze.
It was produced circa 438-432 BC under the direction of the Greek sculptor Pheidias. It is a marble relief sculpture.
The sculpture now resides in The British Museum, London.
Here is Block XIII from the Parthenon's South frieze.
It was produced circa 438-432 BC under the direction of the Greek sculptor Pheidias. It is a marble relief sculpture.
The sculpture now resides in The British Museum, London.
Block XIII is part of a larger marble installation (South frieze) depicting the procession of the Panathenaic Festival. The festival celebrates the birthday of the Greek Goddess Athena.
Athenians processioned to the Parthenon to give offerings and make sacrifices in celebration.
Athenians processioned to the Parthenon to give offerings and make sacrifices in celebration.
Block XIII specifically depicts parts of three horsemen who are taking part in the celebratory procession.
The sculpture shows the horsemen wearing armored corselets and tunics made of layered leather. They also have animal skin boots and a cap.
The sculpture shows the horsemen wearing armored corselets and tunics made of layered leather. They also have animal skin boots and a cap.
Pheidias' goal was to accurately and gracefully depict bodily anatomy to ensure a lifelike appearance (Stansbury-Odonell 2015, p. 3).
The piece showed the epitome of centuries of sculpting progress, which Roman orator Cicero considered "just about perfect" (Cicero, Brutus).
The piece showed the epitome of centuries of sculpting progress, which Roman orator Cicero considered "just about perfect" (Cicero, Brutus).
Block XIII helps form a visual understanding of how Panathanaic festivals were celebrated.
It also shows the garb of Athenian horsemen. Such animal-based garments decompose over time. The sculpture shows details of how they may have been made (ie. straps, design, etc).
It also shows the garb of Athenian horsemen. Such animal-based garments decompose over time. The sculpture shows details of how they may have been made (ie. straps, design, etc).
The intention of sculpting a lifelike representation did result in an unrealistic idolization of the human figure by today's standards. Recognizing this, the depiction of the horsemen still provides a useful visual understanding of the clothing and traditions of the time.
References:
Image 1: https://britishmuseum.org/collection/image/1392413001…
Image 2: https://britishmuseum.org/collection/image/190476001…
Stansbury-O'Donnell, Mark D. A History of Greek Art. Wiley Blackwell, 2015.
Jenkins. The Parthenon Frieze. British Museum Press, 2002.
Image 1: https://britishmuseum.org/collection/image/1392413001…
Image 2: https://britishmuseum.org/collection/image/190476001…
Stansbury-O'Donnell, Mark D. A History of Greek Art. Wiley Blackwell, 2015.
Jenkins. The Parthenon Frieze. British Museum Press, 2002.
