Athena's torso at the Agora of Athens
This large Athena wears a peplos pinned at each shoulder, belted
at the waist with a double cord, and a mantle bunched over her right
shoulder.
She is clearly identified by the narrow, folded aegis draped diagonally
across her chest.
Between the breasts, on the aegis, is a small head of Medusa.
Snakes were once added in bronze, although on the back they too
were of marble.
The right arm extended outward, probably to hold a spear.
The left was close to the body, possibly resting on a shield.
The torso was found south of the Temple of Ares.
Since Pausanias saw a statue of Athena there, which he attributed
to a Parian sculptor named Locros, this torso is often associated (Paus.
1.8.4).
About 425-400 BCE, Over life-size
Athens, Agora Museum
(Click the image for a full screen view)
Back
to the top
Copyright
©1998-2000 Roy George