Collection: | London, British Museum |
Title: | Parthenon, South Metope 27 |
Context: | From Athens, Acropolis |
Findspot: | Found at Athens, Acropolis |
Summary: | Lapith and Centaur |
Sculptor: | Literary attestation to Pheidias |
Material: | Marble |
Sculpture Type: | Architectural |
Category: | Statuary group |
Placement: | South side |
Style: | High Classical |
Original or Copy: | Original |
Date: | 447 BC - 432 BC |
Dimensions: | H 1.35 m |
Scale: | Under life-size |
Region: | Attica |
Period: | High Classical |
In Group: | Parthenon Metopes |
Subject Description:
Centauromachy: Frontal Lapith male (left) strides to left while turning head to right, gripping head of Centaur with left hand and plunging bronze spear (missing) into back of Centaur with right hand. Centaur (right) moves to right but rears with upper torso bending back in response to attack of Lapith. Widely spread cloak of Lapith serves as backdrop to scene. Some scholars suggest the male figure is Theseus.
Form & Style:
Ingenious composition of predominantly horizontal and vertical lines with spear as diagonal. Catenary folds of cloak contrast with skin and rippling musculature of figures.
Condition: Intact
Condition Description:
Upper left portion of slab is restored in plaster. Missing: Lower right leg, right forearm, head and lower edge of mantle of Lapith, right rear and front forelegs, left arm and most of head of Centaur. Surface abraded.
Material Description:
Pentelic Marble
Associated Building: Athens, Parthenon
Sources Used: