Athena Promachos, Detail

Creator

• Unknown

Files

Publisher

Saskia, Ltd., Cultural Documentation

Publication Date

1966

Time Period

circa 49-25 BCE stylistic variant of an original from 5th century BCE

Abstract

Bust front center

Keywords

Greek Classical period, Statues, Sculpture (Visual works), Archaistic, Roman copy, Peristyles (Roman courtyards)

Alt Text

A marble statue of a helmeted figure with intricate details on the armor and helmet. The face appears serene, and the helmet features prominent decorative elements.

Extent

1 color photograph

Geographic Location

Italy; Herculaneum (Extinct city); Villa of the Papyri (Herculaneum)

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 1st century BCE Roman marble statue sculpted in a deliberate archaistic (pseudo-archaic) style. It was uncovered in the tablinum, or reception room, of the Villa of the Papyri in Herculaneum, Italy. The work was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Athena is depicted advancing into battle. Promachos translates to "she who fights in the front line", which is signaled by her stylized, crested helmet, pleated chiton, and aegis, or breastplate, decorated with the central head of Medusa, also known as a Gorgoneion. Her outstretched left hand is dynamic as it holds up her serpent-fringed cloak as a shield. Her right hand would have originally held a bronze spear. While the work shares both a name and thematic stance with the lost colossal 9 meter bronze Athena Promachos sculpted by Phidias on the Athenian Acropolis, the Roman adaptation combines classical movement with the rigid Archaic decorative patterns. This object is currently housed at the National Archeological Museum of Naples, Italy.

Identifier

A01-JGC0663

Recommended Citation

Unknown, "Athena Promachos, Detail" (1966). Art and Art History Collection (Saskia). 571.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/saskia/571