DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.870#0045
35
which, in regard to size and attitude, bears a considerable degree of resemblance to the
present subject. The head and trunk are perfect, but the lower parts of the arms are wanting,
neither is there the appearance of any belt whatever. It is a half length figure terminating at
the pubis.
A cast of this figure was placed by the side of the one in question for the purpose of comparative
investigation, and its inferiority was singularly manifest. The body was totally devoid of that
beautiful serpentine inflexion which so eminently distinguishes the Elgin statue, whilst the right arm
appeared as if it was stuck on to the shoulder and thrust into the side. The surface was destitute of
that delicate undulation which gives the true resemblance of flesh, and all the divisions of the body
were marked in that hard systematic manner which totally destroys all indication of motion or
flexibility.
If this figure was intended for a duplicate of that which is in the Elgin collection, it is most
probable that it was executed by recollection only. At all events it affords a triumphant proof of the
vast superiority of the Elgin relic.
In the Elgin statue the distinguishing points consist in the extreme simplicity and elegance
of the attitude, and the sweet and delicate inflections and undulations of the surface. The difference
between parts in action and those in repose is strictly observed in this figure as well as in all the rest
in this matchless collection. The left thigh and leg, by which it is principally supported, shew
that firmness and rigidity of muscle which is the necessary attendant on action, whilst in the
right thigh and leg, which are resting simply on the toes, the muscles are all relaxed and pendulous,
giving that beautiful inflexion to the inside of the thigh which so correctly distinguishes it from
B 2
which, in regard to size and attitude, bears a considerable degree of resemblance to the
present subject. The head and trunk are perfect, but the lower parts of the arms are wanting,
neither is there the appearance of any belt whatever. It is a half length figure terminating at
the pubis.
A cast of this figure was placed by the side of the one in question for the purpose of comparative
investigation, and its inferiority was singularly manifest. The body was totally devoid of that
beautiful serpentine inflexion which so eminently distinguishes the Elgin statue, whilst the right arm
appeared as if it was stuck on to the shoulder and thrust into the side. The surface was destitute of
that delicate undulation which gives the true resemblance of flesh, and all the divisions of the body
were marked in that hard systematic manner which totally destroys all indication of motion or
flexibility.
If this figure was intended for a duplicate of that which is in the Elgin collection, it is most
probable that it was executed by recollection only. At all events it affords a triumphant proof of the
vast superiority of the Elgin relic.
In the Elgin statue the distinguishing points consist in the extreme simplicity and elegance
of the attitude, and the sweet and delicate inflections and undulations of the surface. The difference
between parts in action and those in repose is strictly observed in this figure as well as in all the rest
in this matchless collection. The left thigh and leg, by which it is principally supported, shew
that firmness and rigidity of muscle which is the necessary attendant on action, whilst in the
right thigh and leg, which are resting simply on the toes, the muscles are all relaxed and pendulous,
giving that beautiful inflexion to the inside of the thigh which so correctly distinguishes it from
B 2