Parthenon Metope 31

By Patrick O’Kane

Found on the south side of the Parthenon. Created between 447 – 432 BC 1.33m tall Made from pentelic marble. High relief carving. Depicts part of a fight between Centaurs and

Lapiths at feast. This is known as the Centuaromachy.

Originally painted.

Information

Rearing centaur is about the punch the Lapith.

Right leg of the Lapith is entangled with the right foreleg of the centaur.

Centaur’s muscles react to the twisting of his body and the movement of its arms.

Both have fairly idealistic bodies and muscles.

Details

Centaur’s face is described as being similar to a theatrical mask used in Greek plays.

Likely to improve contrast between the barbaric centaurs and the civilised men.

Both share similar poses but with slight differences.

More details