Athena Parthenos
Statue of the Athena Parthenos.
Athena was considered to be the founder and protector of Athens; the Parthenon was dedicated to her and served as her temple. The Athena Parthenos statue within the Parthenon is representative of the Greek ideals, and Athena was believed to have helped Athens emerge victorious in the battle with the Persians. She is massive, which shows importance, and she was made of ivory and gold, two extremely expensive materials. The Athena statue is an embodiment of the Athenian achievement: she holds Nike, the goddess of victory, in one hand, and the other hand grasps a shield.
Close-ups of shield.
Western Pediment
Eastern Pediment
The sculpture and relief work of the Parthenon, both representing the triumph of order over chaos, are evidence of the effects of the Persian sack (and subsequent Greek victory) on Greek art. The western pediment depicts the contest between Athena and Poseidon for the control of Athens, and the eastern pediment shows the birth of Athena. The figures of these pediments are classical; they are sculpted in the round and, though the pediments are triangular, the figures look neither awkward nor forced. They all flow together to create one united scene.
Ionic Order
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