Asset number
190174001
Description
Marble relief (Block XLV) from the South frieze of the Parthenon. The frieze shows the procession of the Panathenaic festival, the commemoration of the birthday of the goddess Athena. The block shows five youths, wearing long cloaks, and two cows that are being led for sacrifice. The second youth from the left raises his hands to his hair to adjust a wreath, which probably was painted in. The lead animal sniffs at the ground, but does not bolt. Halters were added in paint. On the previous block, Block XLIV, the flank of beast is visible between the poorly preserved figure on the right and the youth looking back. This detail connects with the forepart of the animal that is carved on this block. The head and dewlap of the beast on this block also connect well with the flank on the previous block. Further detail connecting Blocks XLIV and XLV is the line of the damaged arm of the youth on XLIV, which connects convincingly with the hand on XLV. (For argument see Jenkins, ‘The south frieze of the Parthenon: problems in arrangement’, American Journal of Archaeology, 99, p. 445-56). The broad, blank hides of the beasts contrast pleasingly with the complex folds of the drapery of the youths who lead them. For more information on the pedestrian-procession see South frieze Block XXXVI. The explosion of the Parthenon in 1687 damaged the South frieze the most.
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