Greek
Parthenon Metope Frieze: Centauromachy
Description:
The frieze from which these casts were made appears on the south wall of the Parthenon between two decorative triglyphs. They are part of a series which tell the story of Centauromachy, the epic battle between the Lapiths and the Centaurs. The Lapiths were, according the Greek mythology, the group inhabiting the area of Thessaly. As they grew in power the Lapiths turned against the Centaurs to whom they were related. With the help of both Theseus and Pinthous, the Lapiths defeated the Centaurs and drove them out of Thessaly into Aethicia by the Adriatic Sea. The friezes depict a man striking a rearing Centaur, showing the victory of the Lapiths.
Period of Original: Greek, Hellenistic
Origin of Original: Greece, Athens
Location of the Cast: 20 W. 44 St. New York, NY USA
Provenance: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Condition: Man is headless and limbless with severe damage to the left leg. Centaur is in better condition. Superficial damage to outer layer. The cast has been thoroughly cleaned.
Additional Information:
Parthenon Design Diagram
View the full Parthenon frieze in order here
Or Here
Parthenon Review Article
An Article on the Parthenon’s Metope
Description of the ICA’s Metope Casts