DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.14144#0257
EASTERN ERIEZE OE THE THESE I ON.
221
of the invulnerable Caucus, who is attacked by two Centaurs, as in
the Phigaleian frieze, leaves no room for doubt as to the subject.
The execution is fresh, vigorous, and truthful, and the artist shows
himself capable of representing the human form not only in its highest
beauty and even grace, but in the most complicated and unusual
attitudes, with a skill worthy of a Myron. Observe, for example, the
figure of Theseus ; the Lapith on the ground, over whom the Centaur
is prancing in triumph (fig. 84); and the Centaur on his back
(fig. 83). A certain degree of archaism is observable, but this is
evidently conscious and intentional, and is well suited to the archi-
tectural character of the work, and to the mythical nature of the
subject.
As compared with the Phigaleian frieze, it is certainly inferior in
variety, but it is more natural, more entirely free from all undue aim-
ing at effect.
THE EASTERN FRIEZE.1
Much greater difficulty attends the interpretation of the Eastern
frieze (fig. 85), and none of the many theories which have been
advanced concerning it have met with general acceptation. It repre-
sents, as we see, a contest bctivccn civilised xvarriors and barbarians,
of whom the latter are defending themselves with blocks of stone.
The battle is taking place in the presence of two distinct groups
(figs. 85 and 86), of three persons each, seated just above the Antes
of the Temple, and apparently watching the issue. Of these the only
one who can be certainly identified is Athene in the left group, whose
helmet was seen by Stuart.2 Her companions are probably Zeus and
Here (fig. 86). By some writers the stone-throwers are supposed to
be Giants, and by others Thracian barbarians aiding the Eleusinians
against the Athenians. The principal feature of the scene is that
three men are defending themselves with stones against the attacks
1 Stuart, Anti,j. of Athens, pL 4, 18, 19.
Conf. Mirk of BrU. Mus. pL 12 ; and Kllis,
Elgin ami Phigaltian Mm 136. Stuart
is wrong in the order of the fourth and fifth
slabs. I ii/c Miillcrand Wiescler. Denkmaler,
Taf. xxi.
' Antitj. of Alliens, iii. ch. i. pi. 6, 13.
Conf. Marb. of lirit. Museum, ix. pi. 20;
and Kllis, Elginand Phigal. Marb. ii. 155.
221
of the invulnerable Caucus, who is attacked by two Centaurs, as in
the Phigaleian frieze, leaves no room for doubt as to the subject.
The execution is fresh, vigorous, and truthful, and the artist shows
himself capable of representing the human form not only in its highest
beauty and even grace, but in the most complicated and unusual
attitudes, with a skill worthy of a Myron. Observe, for example, the
figure of Theseus ; the Lapith on the ground, over whom the Centaur
is prancing in triumph (fig. 84); and the Centaur on his back
(fig. 83). A certain degree of archaism is observable, but this is
evidently conscious and intentional, and is well suited to the archi-
tectural character of the work, and to the mythical nature of the
subject.
As compared with the Phigaleian frieze, it is certainly inferior in
variety, but it is more natural, more entirely free from all undue aim-
ing at effect.
THE EASTERN FRIEZE.1
Much greater difficulty attends the interpretation of the Eastern
frieze (fig. 85), and none of the many theories which have been
advanced concerning it have met with general acceptation. It repre-
sents, as we see, a contest bctivccn civilised xvarriors and barbarians,
of whom the latter are defending themselves with blocks of stone.
The battle is taking place in the presence of two distinct groups
(figs. 85 and 86), of three persons each, seated just above the Antes
of the Temple, and apparently watching the issue. Of these the only
one who can be certainly identified is Athene in the left group, whose
helmet was seen by Stuart.2 Her companions are probably Zeus and
Here (fig. 86). By some writers the stone-throwers are supposed to
be Giants, and by others Thracian barbarians aiding the Eleusinians
against the Athenians. The principal feature of the scene is that
three men are defending themselves with stones against the attacks
1 Stuart, Anti,j. of Athens, pL 4, 18, 19.
Conf. Mirk of BrU. Mus. pL 12 ; and Kllis,
Elgin ami Phigaltian Mm 136. Stuart
is wrong in the order of the fourth and fifth
slabs. I ii/c Miillcrand Wiescler. Denkmaler,
Taf. xxi.
' Antitj. of Alliens, iii. ch. i. pi. 6, 13.
Conf. Marb. of lirit. Museum, ix. pi. 20;
and Kllis, Elginand Phigal. Marb. ii. 155.