DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.973#0121
SOUTH FRIEZE OP PARTHENON. 113
Michaelis, Arch. Zeit., 1885, p. 57 (cf. Berlin. Philol.
Wochenschrift, 1892, p. 1172). This arrangement suits
the conditions as to space. It also suits the composition,
since it places the cows with most action in the middle
of the series, according to the general rule of the
frieze.
Each cow is escorted by two youths, one on each side,
and a third figure, perhaps a marshal, at the head.
Those of the escort who are on the side of the spectator
are represented in vigorous action, guiding and restraining
the animals by ropes, which may have been painted on
the marble. All are clad in the himation, which in the
figures actively engaged in controlling the cattle is worn
so as to leave one or both shoulders free. Compare the
description of Heliodorus, p. 67. In slab xxxix. the
85. action is very animated. The youth, No. 85, leans back
with his foot pressed against a rock, to restrain the
cow. This motive is a favourite one in fifth century art.
Compare the west frieze, No. 15 ; a metope of the Theseion
representing Theseus and the bull of Marathon ; the balus-
trade of the temple of Nike Apteros (No. 429); and vase
paintings as in Journ. of Hellen. Studies, ii., pi. 10.
In slab xl. (Plate XI.) the left lower corner is added
in plaster, from the original fragment at Athens. In
96. slab xlii., No. 96 has both hands raised to his head, as if
adjusting a wreath. Compare the north frieze, No. 25. In
slab xxxviii. the cow's right horn must have been carved
in the round, only the tip being attached to the back-
ground of the relief. "What was the number of cettle
in this part of the frieze cannot now be ascertained, but
there is evidence that there were at least nine.
The right hand seen on the left of xlii. (Plate XI.) must,
91, according to the present arrangement, be the hand of No. 91
( = Michaelis, No. 115), and the portion of a cow's belly
seen between 90 and 91 must be part of the cow on the
i
Michaelis, Arch. Zeit., 1885, p. 57 (cf. Berlin. Philol.
Wochenschrift, 1892, p. 1172). This arrangement suits
the conditions as to space. It also suits the composition,
since it places the cows with most action in the middle
of the series, according to the general rule of the
frieze.
Each cow is escorted by two youths, one on each side,
and a third figure, perhaps a marshal, at the head.
Those of the escort who are on the side of the spectator
are represented in vigorous action, guiding and restraining
the animals by ropes, which may have been painted on
the marble. All are clad in the himation, which in the
figures actively engaged in controlling the cattle is worn
so as to leave one or both shoulders free. Compare the
description of Heliodorus, p. 67. In slab xxxix. the
85. action is very animated. The youth, No. 85, leans back
with his foot pressed against a rock, to restrain the
cow. This motive is a favourite one in fifth century art.
Compare the west frieze, No. 15 ; a metope of the Theseion
representing Theseus and the bull of Marathon ; the balus-
trade of the temple of Nike Apteros (No. 429); and vase
paintings as in Journ. of Hellen. Studies, ii., pi. 10.
In slab xl. (Plate XI.) the left lower corner is added
in plaster, from the original fragment at Athens. In
96. slab xlii., No. 96 has both hands raised to his head, as if
adjusting a wreath. Compare the north frieze, No. 25. In
slab xxxviii. the cow's right horn must have been carved
in the round, only the tip being attached to the back-
ground of the relief. "What was the number of cettle
in this part of the frieze cannot now be ascertained, but
there is evidence that there were at least nine.
The right hand seen on the left of xlii. (Plate XI.) must,
91, according to the present arrangement, be the hand of No. 91
( = Michaelis, No. 115), and the portion of a cow's belly
seen between 90 and 91 must be part of the cow on the
i