Commentary Prepared by Dr. Julia Lenaghan, Ashmolean Museum

A 077
Head of a Youth (South Metopes?); Parthenon

Marble (Pentelic)
Metope
H 11.9 cm

The was found on the Athenian Acropolis, the exact circumstances are undocumented.
Greece, Athens, Acropolis Museum
High Classical, ca. 440 BC

Preservation:
The upper part of the head from the right ear to the crown has diagonally broken off, most of the left side is missing. The surface is badly scored and abraded, particularly on nose, mouth, and chin.

Description:
The heavily damaged head belongs to a youthful, beardless male figure. The preserved right ear is carved in detail; the face itself shows some asymmetries, the left half is slightly extended and wider than the left.

Discussion:
In style and size the head is similar to the figures on the south metopes of the Parthenon, and may well belong to one of the Lapiths represented there. It has, however, not been ascribed to any particular metope. The asymmetries of the face suggest that the right profile was intended to provide the main view. On the south metopes in general see A 72.

Bibliography:
S. Casson, Catalogue of the Acropolis Museum II (Cambridge 1921) 75d Catalogue entry with basic information.
F. Brommer, Die Metopen des Parthenon (Mainz am Rhein 1967) 132 pl. 241.1 A very detailed study of the Parthenon metopes including previous bibliography and ample photographic documentation.