42 Inches High x 53 Inches Wide x 6 Inches Deep
The Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, is an astounding example of Classical Greek architecture and art. It was built by the architects Ictinus and Callicrates while the supervisor, and also the artistic director, for the project was the sculptor Phidias. Situated on the Acropolis in Athens, the Parthenon, at its prime, was a temple of white marble with countless colorful sculptures. Today, it is partially in ruins. The frieze that surrounded the cella, or the interior structure, still exists, but is divided among many museums around the world. The Acropolis Museum and the British Museum hold the majority of the 115 blocks, which formed the 160 meter- (or 525 foot-) long frieze. The narrative is about the procession that took place on the final day of the festival that honored Athena, the Great Panathenaia.
In this slab, the man on the left stands beside his horse while looking back at his companion. The horseman on the right is one of the few shown with evidence of his other leg; one can make out his right foot underneath the horse’s belly.
Artist: Unknown
Museum: Acropolis Museum, Athens
Origin: The Parthenon – Western Frieze, Athens
Time Period: Ancient Greece, 447-432 B.C.E.
1911 Catalog ID # – 7000 Slab V
Sources:
Choremi, A. “The Parthenon Frieze. Block W V.” The Parthenon Frieze. English translation by M. Caskey. Ministry of Culture – Acropolis Restoration Service – First Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities – Department of Information and Education, and National Documentation Centre – National Hellenic Research Foundation, 2009, http://repository.parthenonfrieze.gr/frieze/handle/10442/wv.
“The Frieze.” Acropolis Museum, http:///wiki/Parthenon#Architecture.