Commentary Prepared by Dr. Julia Lenaghan, Ashmolean Museum

A 141 G
Satyr and Pirate; Lysikrates Monument

Marble (Pentelic)
Frieze
H 25.4 cm
Greece, Athens, in situ
After 335/34 BC; Late Classical

Preservation:
The surface of the relief is heavily worn.

Description:
Two figures are depicted in the center of this section of the frieze. A satyr, shown in a wide stance and facing to the right, has raised his right arm and brandishes a forked branch. A panther skin is draped over his left shoulder and arm. With his left hand he pulls back the head of a human figure sitting on the ground before him. This man is facing to the right, one leg stretched forward, the other bent in the knee. His torso is seen in three-quarter profile from behind. Both arms are held behind the back, touching at the wrists. To the left is the frontal part of a dolphin. Below the dolphin, the ground is characterized by wavy lines; from the right leg of the satyr onwards rocks are depicted.

Discussion:
The scene shows a satyr who is about to strike down his enemy. The terrain here changes back from sea to land, with a pirate being transformed into a dolphin visible on the left. Another pirate is already defeated, his arms tied up behind his back. Helpless, he has to endure the satyr’s brutal grip, who pulls his head back by the hair with his left hand. Old drawings show the satyr crowned with a wreath. For a full discussion of the monument see A 141a.

Bibliography:
H. F. de Cou, "The Frieze of the Choregic Monument of Lysicrates at Athens." (AJA 8 1893) 42-55 Discusses earlier studies and drawings of the monument and the composition of the frieze.
W. Erhardt, "Der Fries des Lysikratesmonuments" (Antike Plastik 22 1993) 28-29 figs. 44-46 pl. 18 The most thorough discussion of the frieze so far. Excellent photographs of the original frieze, as well as documentation of early drawings and casts documenting a much better state of preservation. Extensive bibliography.