pediments Flashcards
location, shape, size + size of figures, focus, depictions, material(s),
east and west sides of the parthenon,
triangular, figures gradually thinning towards the ends, focused on athena and athens, east depicts athena’s birth west depicts the contest of athens, pentelic marble, some metal for armour and weaponry
illustrate the basic features of the eastern pediment
chronological order from left to right, central figures in the middle, all other figures facing slightly inwards, depicts the birth of athena, zeus and athena in the middle, hephaestus to the right of athena and hera to the left of zeus,
illustrate the basic features of the western pediment
central figures in the middle, all other figures facing slightly inwards, depicts the contest for athens between poseidon and athena,
how are the central figures compositionally portrayed in the eastern frieze?
zeus: centre, sitting, representing latent power. zeus seems calm and well measured amid the chaos,
athena: athena rising, helmet egis and spear, fully grown, in armour,
hephaestus: right hand side near athena, hephaestus, enables the birth by hitting zeus’ head
hera: also seated, latent power, expression is stoic dignity, indicating her displeasure,
what is key about the figures positioning in the eastern frieze?
all divine figures are facing inwards, directing the viewer’s eye towards athena, constructs this radiating circle, outside of zeus and athena, of divine witness, divine favour from divine witness
how is chronological symbolism expressed in the east pediment
helios: emerging from the sea, horses straining, marking the break of day, symbolises new dawn, for athena and her authority, a new era
on the far right, the moon goddess selene/nyx: descending in her chariot, her horses look weary, hanging over the actual pediment, drawn down into darkness,
compositionally we have the full cycle of day to night, birth to culmination, culmination to death?
