Mitchell, Lucy M.: A history of ancient sculpture (New York, 1883)

NORTH AND SOUTH FRIEZES OF THE PARTHENON. 345

fortunately well preserved, are quietly preparing to join those already under
way. Here stands a horse, by whose side the youth arranges the folds of his
chiton with the aid of a small attendant, who bears on his shoulders the rider's
mantle. Beyond this first group the figures become denser; and in the glori-
ous riders, sometimes three, and sometimes seven, deep, the movement rapidly
grows intense, and reaches its height, to subside again as it advances towards
the front. In the south frieze the movement is more quiet: the riders do not
appear to be so many abreast, and the horses are less spirited in the slabs pre-
served ; but many are, unfortunately, seriously damaged. These steeds are all
evidently of that breed described by the ancient horse-fancier Xenophon, when
advising his friend what manner of horse to buy.66' In looking at them, we
almost hear his words: "Legs firm and bony, not muscular; joints flexible;
the chest broad, contributing both to beauty and strength ; the neck not fall-
ing forward like a boar's, but growing upwards like a cock's; head small and
bony ; eyes prominent and vigilant ; nostrils wide, convenient for breathing,
and terrific in appearance; ears small; shoulders high ; loins compact; barrel
round and short, and haunches high;" while, in observing the management of
these steeds, we almost believe these youths to be following directions, like
those given by this general when he says, " If it should happen to any owner
°f a horse, that, as tribune or commander of cavalry, he should have to lead a
column, he should be careful, not so to display himself that he alone should
have a splendid appearance, but much rather that the whole squadron should
be worthy of admiration. If, having put his horse upon his mettle, he lead
his troops neither too rapidly nor too slowly, but advance at a speed suitable
to horses of great spirit, high courage, fine figure, and good bottom, there will
be a perpetual stamping, neighing, and snorting; and not he alone, but every
one in the whole line, will appear worthy of the highest admiration." This
the sculptor seems also to feel, keeping alive the interest by infinite modifica-
tions of the same action seen in the playful variation of the lines, and intricacy
and multiplicity of the intersecting limbs. As has been well said, " Before we
have well examined one figure, another quite different diverts the attention.
At one moment we are engaged in admiring a horse's forehead, and at the
next the haunches of another attract our notice; the eye is rapidly hurried
from one object to another; the varied forms and altered situations chase
through the mind, and produce the effect of actual motion;"662 while the
order which reigns throughout gives the impression of that self-control urged
by the veteran Xenophon, and more highly esteemed by the Greeks than all
other accomplishments. The figures in repose show the strength which could
be aroused to intense action : the rearing horse and powerful beast for offering
do not drag these youths into any wild or unbridled action, and we are confi-
dent of their final mastery. Thus a sublime morality seems to speak from
each marble form, telling of a firm and symmetrical character.