DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.15099#0113
87
PLATE XVII.
[Height 2 f. 9|. in. Length Fig. 1, .3 f. S in. Fig. 2, 1 f. 6 i„.
Old Nos. A 66. A 67. A 68. New Nos. 147, 148, 149.]
This plate terminates the subject of the eastern frieze of the
temple of Theseus, and of it we acknowledge that we are unable
to give any satisfactory explanation. Five figures were originally
represented as engaged in the action, but one, which occupied
the space intervening between the two slabs in the plate, has
been lost since the time of Stuart's visit to Athens; in other
respects all the figures appear to be much in the same state as
when he saw them. The subject of this portion of the frieze
seems to be the leading away some distinguished captive, whose
hands have been bound behind him, and who, from the position
of his feet and some slight twist in the body, seems to be strug-
gling, or at least advancing reluctantly; he appears to be held
quietly, but firmly, by the person on his right hand, beyond
whom is a warrior bearing a shield, who, as far as we can judge
from the mutilated remains, seems to be meditating some offen-
sive movement; but whether against the prisoner or his conductor
it is not easy to ascertain. The figure on the other side of the
prisoner, and which is now wanting, seems to have been rather
turning away from him, possibly as leading the way in which
they were to proceed, though, from the position of his right
hand, the bend of his body, and the inclination which the head
seems to have had, it may be supposed that he was about to
inflict some punishment upon him for his apparent refractoriness.
The next and last figure is bending forwards ; both his arms have
been stretched out before him, his left foot is advanced, as if to
gain a purchase to assist him in pulling something which he
PLATE XVII.
[Height 2 f. 9|. in. Length Fig. 1, .3 f. S in. Fig. 2, 1 f. 6 i„.
Old Nos. A 66. A 67. A 68. New Nos. 147, 148, 149.]
This plate terminates the subject of the eastern frieze of the
temple of Theseus, and of it we acknowledge that we are unable
to give any satisfactory explanation. Five figures were originally
represented as engaged in the action, but one, which occupied
the space intervening between the two slabs in the plate, has
been lost since the time of Stuart's visit to Athens; in other
respects all the figures appear to be much in the same state as
when he saw them. The subject of this portion of the frieze
seems to be the leading away some distinguished captive, whose
hands have been bound behind him, and who, from the position
of his feet and some slight twist in the body, seems to be strug-
gling, or at least advancing reluctantly; he appears to be held
quietly, but firmly, by the person on his right hand, beyond
whom is a warrior bearing a shield, who, as far as we can judge
from the mutilated remains, seems to be meditating some offen-
sive movement; but whether against the prisoner or his conductor
it is not easy to ascertain. The figure on the other side of the
prisoner, and which is now wanting, seems to have been rather
turning away from him, possibly as leading the way in which
they were to proceed, though, from the position of his right
hand, the bend of his body, and the inclination which the head
seems to have had, it may be supposed that he was about to
inflict some punishment upon him for his apparent refractoriness.
The next and last figure is bending forwards ; both his arms have
been stretched out before him, his left foot is advanced, as if to
gain a purchase to assist him in pulling something which he