The Parthenon Frieze

Synopsis

The artistic genius of Athens in the 5th century BC reached its peak in the sculpted marble reliefs of the Parthenon Frieze. Designed by Phidias and carved by a team of anonymous masons, the frieze adorned the temple of Athena on the Acropolis and represents a festival procession in honour of the Olympian gods. Through photographs and drawings, this book reconstructs the frieze in its entirety according the most up-to date research, with a detailed scene-by-scene commentary. The superb quality of the carving is revealed in a series of close-up photographs. The original composition of the frieze and its precise meaning have long been the subject of lively debate. In his introductory text, Ian Jenkins places the frieze in its architectural, historical and artistic setting. He discusses the various interpretations suggested by previous scholars, and finally puts forward a new view of his own.