Parthenon, Akropolis, Athens, ca. 447-432 B.C.E. Parthenon, Akropolis, Athens, ca. 447-432 B.C.E.

West Metopes #1-2 (Amazonomachy) In situ (Copyright A. Nicgorski, 1998)

The 14 metopes on the west side are in a sadly battered state having been chiseled down in the Early Christian era when the Parthenon was converted into a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. In metope #1 (the best preserved), however, we can make out a mounted figure, possibly the Amazon queen Antiope. The Amazons all wear Persian dress. Note especially her flying mantle, a typical use of drapery to fill space and to create a sense of movement, a kind of "hieroglyph for speed." Note also the "omega fold" in the drapery, a somewhat stylized device invented by Greek sculptors to suggest the softness and texture of the cloth as well as to create a three-dimensional layering effect. All of the Parthenon metopes are 1.35 m. (about 4 feet, 5 inches) in height.