DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.18217#0138
124 CATALOGUE OF SCULPTUEE.
3. Fragment of left hind-hoof of horse, resting on a
hammer-dressed base.
1047. Torso of a colossal seated male figure, broken off across
the middle of the body, and wanting the extremities of
the limbs. The figure is seated on a cushioned seat,
covered with drapery. The weight is supported by a
square central support. The figure wears a chiton and a
large mantle, which is brought about the body, and lies
in a mass on the lap. Part of a high boot is still visible
on the left leg. The figure is so mutilated that the
original motive cannot be ascertained; but the left arm
may have been raised and supported by a spear or sceptre,
while the right hand may have held a bowl. At the
back the drapery has little depth of folds, and from the
general flatness of the treatment in this part it may be
inferred that the figure was placed so as not to be seen
from behind. The figure was identified as a divinity,
perhaps Zeus, by Sir C. Newton, but the figure would do
equally well for Mausolos, or some other heroified ruler.
The surface of this statue is mutilated in so unsightly a
manner that it is difficult to form an opinion as to its
merits; but, as seen from its right side, it shows consider-
able dignity in the pose and composition of the drapery.
The statue has been painted, and the folds of the drapery
are still coated with an artificial surface of a purple
colour; this may be the original pigment, chemically
united with a deposit from water.
The statue was found under the wall of a house, and
had evidently been long exposed to the drip from the
roof. On its first discovery, two colours seemed blended
on the surface, which by exposure to the air rapidly
faded. It is possible that this effect was caused by the
decomposition of a portion of the purple in the soil.
Height, with the support, 6 feet 4 inches. Newton, Hist, Disc, II.,
p. 221. Nos. 1047-1054 = Mausoleum Room Guide Nos. 40-47.
3. Fragment of left hind-hoof of horse, resting on a
hammer-dressed base.
1047. Torso of a colossal seated male figure, broken off across
the middle of the body, and wanting the extremities of
the limbs. The figure is seated on a cushioned seat,
covered with drapery. The weight is supported by a
square central support. The figure wears a chiton and a
large mantle, which is brought about the body, and lies
in a mass on the lap. Part of a high boot is still visible
on the left leg. The figure is so mutilated that the
original motive cannot be ascertained; but the left arm
may have been raised and supported by a spear or sceptre,
while the right hand may have held a bowl. At the
back the drapery has little depth of folds, and from the
general flatness of the treatment in this part it may be
inferred that the figure was placed so as not to be seen
from behind. The figure was identified as a divinity,
perhaps Zeus, by Sir C. Newton, but the figure would do
equally well for Mausolos, or some other heroified ruler.
The surface of this statue is mutilated in so unsightly a
manner that it is difficult to form an opinion as to its
merits; but, as seen from its right side, it shows consider-
able dignity in the pose and composition of the drapery.
The statue has been painted, and the folds of the drapery
are still coated with an artificial surface of a purple
colour; this may be the original pigment, chemically
united with a deposit from water.
The statue was found under the wall of a house, and
had evidently been long exposed to the drip from the
roof. On its first discovery, two colours seemed blended
on the surface, which by exposure to the air rapidly
faded. It is possible that this effect was caused by the
decomposition of a portion of the purple in the soil.
Height, with the support, 6 feet 4 inches. Newton, Hist, Disc, II.,
p. 221. Nos. 1047-1054 = Mausoleum Room Guide Nos. 40-47.