Commentary Prepared by Dr. Julia Lenaghan, Ashmolean Museum

A 141 I
Pirate as Dolphin; 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 (on the original frieze the figure has been almost obliterated since the cast was taken).

Description:
The relief shows a figure half human, half animal. It is depicted in the right profile, suspended horizontally over a section of ground characterized by wavy lines. The figure looks like a dolphin in the frontal part and has human features from the waist down.

Discussion:
Another pirate is depicted here at the moment of being transformed into a dolphin by Dionysos’ divine powers (cf. A 141f/g; m/n). He pushes himself off a large rock in an attempt to avoid a charging satyr, but is being transformed before he can reach the safety of the sea beneath him. The dolphin’s head is exactly in the western axis of the frieze and marks the end of one strand of the narrative, starting at the right of Dionysos. 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) 30-31 figs. 48-49 pl. 19a 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.