Commentary Prepared by Dr. Julia Lenaghan, Ashmolean Museum

A 141 H
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. The satyr’s head has partly broken off; the pirate’s face is abraded. (The figures on the original monument were chiselled off after the cast was taken, and now are only visible in outline.)

Description:
The scene depicts two figures facing to the right. On the left runs an elderly satyr with long beard; only his left leg touches the ground, the right is suspended in mid-air. He holds a long torch in front of him with both hands. A panther skin is draped around his shoulders and flows behind his back. A heavily muscled human figure, depicted in three-quarter profile, the head turned slightly back, sits on a rock in front of the satyr. Both his arms are held behind his back; a large serpent is winding up the rock next to this figure.

Discussion:
This section concludes the battle scenes depicted to the right of Dionysos. Another pirate has been overpowered and taken captive. Spatial depth is suggested in the terrain: The pirate’s legs are partly obscured by a huge rock; the satyr is charging forward between this rock and the pirate, his action directed at a figure further to the right. 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) 29-30 figs. 44-45; 47 pl. 18b 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.