Parthenon West Pediment Sculpture

Alternative Title

Torso of Ilissos

Creator

• Pheidias (Sculptor)

Files

Publisher

Saskia, Ltd., Cultural Documentation

Publication Date

1966

Time Period

438-432 BCE

Abstract

Front center view

Keywords

Greek Classical period, Sculpture (Visual works), Statues, Pediments

Alt Text

A stone sculpture of a muscular figure lying down, with detailed muscle definition and a rough texture. The artwork is displayed against a plain background.

Extent

1 color photograph

Geographic Location

Greece; Athens (Greece); Parthenon (Athens, Greece)

Rights

This material is licensed by USF Libraries for the research and teaching needs of USF students, staff, and faculty only. See: https://lib.usf.edu/collections-and-discovery/collection-management/user-terms/

Access Restrictions

Only thumbnail images and descriptive information are available to non-USF users. Full access to this collection is available only to authorized users on the USF network on campus or via VPN.

Media Type

Color photographs

Format

Digital Only

Note

This is a marble statue of the river god Ilissos. It is from the West pediment of the Parthenon in Athens. The scene of the pediment showed a mythical contest between Athena and Poseidon for supremacy over the land of Attica. This statue would have been in the left corner of the pediment, looking towards the center of the composition. It was created around 438-432 BCE by the sculptor Pheidias. Its subject is believed to be the river-god Ilissos, shown ass if to be rising from the water onto the riverbank. This statue is of a naked reclining man, carved from a single block of marble. His weight would have originally been supported by his left hand and poised as it turning to the left. A piece of drapery hangs over his left arm and flows to the ground behind him. His head, left hand, right arm and hand, part of right leg, and left foot are missing. It is currently housed in the British Museum.

Identifier

A01-JGC0250

Recommended Citation

Pheidias (Sculptor), "Parthenon West Pediment Sculpture" (1966). Art and Art History Collection (Saskia). 292.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/saskia/292