DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.5253#0264
SCULPTURAL DECORATIONS OF ARCHITECTURE.
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tablature, formed a triangular space (b), compared by the Greeks to the spread
wings of an eagle (aetos). Bold cornices formed a framework for these pedi-
ments, which could not fail to invite the sculptor's chisel. Little by little the
sculptors learned to use this space to the best advantage. At first cramped
and confined by it, at last we see, as in the Parthenon, architecture and sculp-
Fig 7 73. The North-east Corner of the Parthenon as it now stands: (aj Metopes and Irujlyphs; <b) Pediment;
(c) Architraue; <d) Frieze around Cella and Portico.
ture combined in harmonious and vital union. The summit and ends of the
pediments likewise offered a spot for the sculptor's chisel in forming orna-
ments called acroteria; but these are not preserved in the Parthenon, and do
not appear in the cut. In the very old Temple of Hera, at Olympia, a colossal
segment of a painted terra-cotta disk crowned the centre ; and it is probable,
that, in many other cases, figures likewise in terra-cotta crowned summit and
corner. At Olympia were found many fragments of such archaic figures, doubt-
less from the acroteria of the Treasure-houses, and representing lions, dolphins,
231
tablature, formed a triangular space (b), compared by the Greeks to the spread
wings of an eagle (aetos). Bold cornices formed a framework for these pedi-
ments, which could not fail to invite the sculptor's chisel. Little by little the
sculptors learned to use this space to the best advantage. At first cramped
and confined by it, at last we see, as in the Parthenon, architecture and sculp-
Fig 7 73. The North-east Corner of the Parthenon as it now stands: (aj Metopes and Irujlyphs; <b) Pediment;
(c) Architraue; <d) Frieze around Cella and Portico.
ture combined in harmonious and vital union. The summit and ends of the
pediments likewise offered a spot for the sculptor's chisel in forming orna-
ments called acroteria; but these are not preserved in the Parthenon, and do
not appear in the cut. In the very old Temple of Hera, at Olympia, a colossal
segment of a painted terra-cotta disk crowned the centre ; and it is probable,
that, in many other cases, figures likewise in terra-cotta crowned summit and
corner. At Olympia were found many fragments of such archaic figures, doubt-
less from the acroteria of the Treasure-houses, and representing lions, dolphins,