Remarks: Large handmade relief plaque with multifigure composition of Seven against Thebes, with death of Tydeos & Melanippos in presence of Athena. 2/3 life-size figures. Helmet of Athena with palmette & double spiral painted on front, palmette on side, checkerboard on base of crest. Wings of Athena similar to sphinxes, aegis, painted with downward pointing scale pattern, held to side by Athena's raised left hand. Strut between arm & head of right warrior. Bottom edge painted with box meander = base/plinth. Made in 2 large pieces, with no surface of levigated clay. Back of plaque with many openings & hollows, irregular. Slope of plaque top edge indicates 18 degree slope.
Bibliography: Pyrgi 1970, pp. 48ff.; Proietti 1980, p. 151, figs. 188-189; Sprenger & Bartoloni 1983, pp. 128-129, pls. 179, 180, 181; La civiltà degli Etruschi 1985, 10.17; Colonna 1996, pp. 21-40 (new reconstruction)
Publication record: Il Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia. Author: Proietti, G.. Place of publication: Roma. Publication Date: 1980 L'altorilievo di Pyrgi. Dei ed eroi greci in Etruria. Author: Colonna, G.. Place of publication: Roma. Publication Date: 1996 La civiltà degli Etruschi. Author: Cristofani, M.. Place of publication: Milano. Publication Date: 1985 Pyrgi. Scavi nel santuario etrusco (1959-1967). Journal and volume number: NSc II. Supplemento al vol. XXIV. Publication Date: 1970 The Etruscans: their history, art, and architecture. Author: Sprenger, M. & G. Bartoloni. Place of publication: New York. Publication Date: 1983
Associated elements: Roof elements
Type of decoration: Seven against Thebes
Last Recorded Collection: Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia
Mouldmade: no
Height: 1.40
Width: 1.40
Clay: Buff
Paint: Red-brown skin of male figures, black hair & beards
