Cast Gallery catalogue number: A141p
Satyr hitting a pirate, with a branch in his right hand, while the pirate tries to crawl to escape. A second satyr advances from the right with a burning branch.
- 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 P
Satyrs 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 slightly worn, but otherwise in good condition (the original has deteriorated considerably since the cast was taken).
Description:The scene shows a total of three figures: To the left a human depicted in the right profile is forced to the ground by a satyr. The beardless satyr, seen in three quarter profile from the left, has stemmed his left knee against the back of his opponent and holds him by the neck with his left hand. His right arm is raised up high and brandishes a branch or club. A panther skin is tied around his neck and flows behind him. Further to the right a second, bearded satyr approaches. He is seen in three-quarter profile from behind; his legs far apart, he holds a long branch or thyrsos with both hands.
Discussion:The relief depicts a fight between two satyrs and a pirate. The satyr has been forced to the ground by a powerful satyr who is about to strike him further. A second satyr, brandishing a thyrsos or a long, burning branch, rushes on the scene to support his companion. In the relief behind the figures a rocky landscape is indicated, suggesting considerable spatial depth.
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) 15-17 figs. 12-14 pls. 8a-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.
