Cast Gallery catalogue number: A141o
A pirate, kneeling and tied up, being attacked by a satyr wielding a thyrsos.
- Plaster cast: Height: 27cm.
- Copy of part of a marble frieze.
- The frieze:
- is from the Lysikrates Monument in Athens.
- was made about 330 BC.
- is still in situ.
Detailed Record
Commentary Prepared by Dr. Julia Lenaghan, Ashmolean Museum
A 141 O
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 in relatively good condition; both figures are intact, only their faces are slightly worn.
Description:The relief depicts two figure, a human on the left and a satyr on the right. The human figure is depicted in three-quarter profile from the right. He is powerfully built and clean shaven; he kneels with his right leg on the ground, while his left leg is set far back. His arms are held behind his back, his head is turned towards the satyr. The bearded satyr is depicted in wide stance facing to the right, his head turned back to his enemy. Both arms are thrust forward, brandishing a thyrsos, the tip of which points to the first figure. A panther skin is tied around his neck and flows behind him.
Discussion:The satyr depicted here is about to strike down a pirate kneeling next to him with his thyrsos, along staff forming a typical attribute for members of Dionysos’ retinue. The pirate’s hands are tied behind his back; helpless, he tries to lean away from his opponent.
Both figures are straining away from each other but are physically linked by the satyrs right foot, who has stepped on the pirate’s left, and by their gaze. The strong diagonals employed for both figures are typical for Late Classical relief sculpture.
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) 17-18 figs. 15-17 pls. 9a-b
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.
