Phidias, Parthenon sculptures

Summary

This video delves into the artistry and history of the Parthenon in Athens, focusing on its architecture and the stunning sculptures created by Phidias. It explores the Classical period of ancient Greece, following the defeat of the Persian Empire, and highlights the Parthenon as a symbol of Athenian confidence. The video covers key elements of the Parthenon's design, including its pediments, frieze, and metopes, and the mythological stories they depict, such as Athena's birth and the Lapiths' battle with the Centaurs. The discussion also touches on the controversial removal of these sculptures by Lord Elgin and their current location in the British Museum.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Parthenon in Athens is a symbol of the classical period of ancient Greece, representing the height of Greek culture in the 5th century BCE, especially after Greece's victory over the Persians.
• 😀 The Parthenon was dedicated to the goddess Athena and is celebrated for its architectural and sculptural achievements, including both Doric and Ionic elements.
• 😀 The sculptures on the Parthenon, including those in the pediments, metopes, and frieze, are as important as the architecture itself, and they were created under the supervision of the sculptor Phidias.
• 😀 The west pediment of the Parthenon depicted the competition between Poseidon and Athena to be the patron deity of Athens, though most of the sculpture has been lost over time.
• 😀 The east pediment tells the story of the birth of Athena from Zeus's head, with figures reacting to the miraculous event, though many central sculptures are also lost.
• 😀 The frieze of the Parthenon likely depicts the Panathenaic procession, a significant religious event in Athens, showing Athenians in idealized form, interacting with gods and participating in rituals.
• 😀 The Parthenon's sculptures, originally brightly colored, were designed to be highly visible and would have created a dramatic visual experience with shadows and vibrant hues.
• 😀 The sculptures on the Parthenon are famous for their naturalism, particularly in their portrayal of the human body, such as the depiction of the nude male form and the movement of horses and figures.
• 😀 The metopes on the Parthenon show mythic battles, such as the Lapiths fighting Centaurs, symbolizing the Greeks' conflict with the Persians and their representation of civilization and order.
• 😀 The frieze shows the idealized Athenians in serene, noble poses, conveying a sense of calm and control, with figures participating in the procession with horses, chariots, and sacrifices.
• 😀 The debate surrounding the return of the Parthenon marbles, removed by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century, reflects broader issues of imperialism and the ethics of museum collections today.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Parthenon in the context of ancient Greek culture?

The Parthenon is a symbol of Athenian pride and achievement, representing the high point of Greek culture during the classical period. It was built after Athens' victory over the Persian Empire in 479 BCE, embodying the city's confidence and optimism in its future.

How does the Parthenon reflect Athenian confidence after their victory over the Persians?

The Parthenon, especially through its architecture and sculptures, reflects the Athenians' belief in their superiority. The grand scale of the building and the intricate, idealized sculptures showcase Athenian self-assurance, positioning them as civilized and powerful in contrast to their Persian adversaries.

What are the primary sculptural elements on the Parthenon?

The Parthenon sculptures are divided into three main elements: the pediments (large triangular areas at the top of the temple), the metopes (rectangular panels between columns), and the frieze (a continuous band of sculpture running along the temple's exterior). Each of these features tells different mythological stories.

What do the sculptures in the east pediment of the Parthenon depict?

The east pediment shows the birth of Athena, with the central scene featuring Zeus giving birth to Athena, who emerged fully grown from his head. Other figures in the pediment react to the birth, highlighting the momentous nature of the event.

What story is told in the west pediment of the Parthenon, and what is its current condition?

The west pediment depicts the contest between Poseidon and Athena to become the patron deity of Athens. However, most of this sculptural group is lost or severely damaged, leaving little visible evidence of the original composition.

What is the Phidian style, and how is it reflected in the Parthenon sculptures?

The Phidian style refers to the sculptural techniques used by Phidias, the main artist behind the Parthenon sculptures. It is characterized by detailed realism, idealized human forms, and intricate drapery, which often appears to flow around the body like water, emphasizing the human body's natural beauty and movement.

How do the Parthenon sculptures on the metopes relate to the Greeks' view of themselves?

The metopes, such as the battle between the Lapiths and the Centaurs, symbolize the Greeks' sense of order and civilization triumphing over chaos and barbarism. These mythological battles reflect the Greeks' self-perception as defenders of civilization against external threats like the Persians.

What is the likely subject of the frieze on the Parthenon, and why is it significant?

The frieze likely represents the Panathenaic procession, a key religious event held in honor of Athena. It is significant because it depicts the Athenians themselves, idealized and placed alongside gods, symbolizing their sense of superiority and divine favor after their victory over the Persians.

Why is there debate over the ownership of the Parthenon marbles, and where are they currently located?

The debate over the ownership of the Parthenon marbles stems from their removal by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century. While he had permission from Ottoman authorities, the legitimacy of this permission has been questioned. Today, the marbles are housed in the British Museum, with some in the Louvre and the Acropolis Museum, and there is ongoing demand from Greece for their return.

What artistic achievement is evident in the Parthenon frieze, particularly in the depiction of horsemen and figures?

The Parthenon frieze demonstrates an exceptional understanding of human and animal anatomy, with horsemen depicted in dynamic, natural poses, showcasing movement and energy. The figures' calm and noble expressions, along with their idealized forms, highlight the Greeks' reverence for control and order.