Collection Highlights: Cast Gallery

 

Relief of a battle

CGreliefofbattle

Plaster cast, acquired 1901, 64.5 cm high, 122 cm wide, of a relief slab of marble from the Siphnian Treasury (c.525 BC) housed in the Museum at Delphi (right half of the block inv. 1392).

This slab was found at the building in 1894 and forms part of its north frieze. The frieze depicts a Gigantomachy, a battle between the Greek gods and giants, which was a popular subject for Greek monumental reliefs in all periods. Apollo and Artemis are fighting a giant who is attacked by a lion and a fleeing giant. Opposite is a group of attacking giants and below a fallen giant. Traces of paint confirm that the frieze was once richly painted. [Cast Gallery inv. A14].

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