Aegina E 4 (Sculpture)

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Collection:	Munich, Glyptothek
Title:	Aegina, E. Ped. 2, fig. E 4: Right Helper
Context:	From Aegina, Sanctuary of Aphaia
Findspot:	Excavated at Aegina, Sanctuary of Aphaia
Summary:	Helper stretching forward to catch companion
Material:	Marble
Sculpture Type:	Architectural
Category:	Statuary group
Placement:	East pediment
Style:	Late Archaic
Technique:	In-the-round
Date:	ca. 490 BC - ca. 480 BC
Dimensions:	H. 0.95 m
Scale:	Life-size
Region:	Saronic Gulf
Period:	Late Archaic
In Group:	Aegina East Pediment 2

Subject Description:

This figure appears to be an aide of Opponent E 3. He rushes forward, either to catch his companion before he falls or to bring him the helmet which he carries in his left hand. Most of the helmet is missing, but its cheekpiece remains visible in his palm. The Helper is nude and unarmed. His stance looks like that of a runner. His hair is neatly coifed, with regular wavy strands ending in three tiers of snail curls around the face and a single braid wound around the back.

Form & Style:

Certain elements of this figure, particularly the surface detailing of the hair and torso, appear conservative or old-fashioned in comparison with other figures of the East Pediment. On the other hand, the stretching pose is stylistically advanced. Ohly assigns the Right Helper and Herakles to the same hand.

Condition: Nearly complete

Condition Description: Exceptionally well-preserved, lacking only the left arm and those parts of the feet attached to the plinth. Fragments of both feet are in Aegina, all else in Munich.

Material Description:

Parian Marble

Associated Building: Aegina, Temple of Aphaia