DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.15097#0075
61
METOPE XL
The contest here represented cannot but terminate in victory on
the part of the Greek. Having made his enemy flee before him, he
has inflicted upon his back so desperate and painful a wound that
the Centaur cannot refrain from pressing his hand upon the afflicted
part. The Greek, who is of greater than ordinary stature, has
then seized him round the head and checks all further attempt at
flight, while his right hand is raised to inflict the deadly blow.
Visconti has given a different interpretation to the action of this
Metope; supposing that the conquest has already been achieved,
and that the Greek " has overpowered a Centaur, whose hands are
tied behind his back." Such certainly is the first impression of the
spectator, upon a view of this Metope in its present mutilated state;
but a more careful examination would probably lead to a different
conclusion, and Carrey's drawing seems to set the question at rest;
for a small portion more of the left arm then remained, shewing
that it, at least, was not tied behind the Centaur, but raised, and
perhaps bent back, to extricate himself from the grasp of the Greek.
In execution as well as design, this Metope ranks quite as high
as any in the collection; the composition is beautifully arranged
and full of animation and spirit; the vigour and power with which
the Greek is dragging his reluctant victim are strongly displayed in
the position of the figure, and the distinct, though delicate, mark-
ings of the muscles; the firmness with which he has placed his left
foot against a rising stone to increase his purchase renders his
power irresistible, augmented as it is by the whole weight of his
body, which is made dependent alone upon his left arm and leg.
The expression of the figure of. the Centaur is equally admirable ;
though evidently attempting escape, it is entirely without hope
METOPE XL
The contest here represented cannot but terminate in victory on
the part of the Greek. Having made his enemy flee before him, he
has inflicted upon his back so desperate and painful a wound that
the Centaur cannot refrain from pressing his hand upon the afflicted
part. The Greek, who is of greater than ordinary stature, has
then seized him round the head and checks all further attempt at
flight, while his right hand is raised to inflict the deadly blow.
Visconti has given a different interpretation to the action of this
Metope; supposing that the conquest has already been achieved,
and that the Greek " has overpowered a Centaur, whose hands are
tied behind his back." Such certainly is the first impression of the
spectator, upon a view of this Metope in its present mutilated state;
but a more careful examination would probably lead to a different
conclusion, and Carrey's drawing seems to set the question at rest;
for a small portion more of the left arm then remained, shewing
that it, at least, was not tied behind the Centaur, but raised, and
perhaps bent back, to extricate himself from the grasp of the Greek.
In execution as well as design, this Metope ranks quite as high
as any in the collection; the composition is beautifully arranged
and full of animation and spirit; the vigour and power with which
the Greek is dragging his reluctant victim are strongly displayed in
the position of the figure, and the distinct, though delicate, mark-
ings of the muscles; the firmness with which he has placed his left
foot against a rising stone to increase his purchase renders his
power irresistible, augmented as it is by the whole weight of his
body, which is made dependent alone upon his left arm and leg.
The expression of the figure of. the Centaur is equally admirable ;
though evidently attempting escape, it is entirely without hope