Artemis, Figure G

East Pediment

Figure G belongs to a group of statues showing the birth of Athena located in the east pediment of the Parthenon. While many of the other gods and goddesses have been lost throughout the course of history, Figure G remains nearly intact, and its placement on the pediment is relatively certain based on its size and position. Figure G is a female running to the left while her peplos blows back in deep, curving folds which complement the lines of her strong dashing legs. In this running pose, her rapid movement causes her mantle to billow out behind her. The identity of Figure G is uncertain and continues to puzzle scholars. The goddess may represent either Artemis or Hekate, both of whom are associated with childbirth and reproduction and thus are appropriate for their presence in this birth scene.

E.C.