Torso of Poseidon

West Pediment, Parthenon

The upper fragment of the large, mature torso is the only portion that remains of the figure of Poseidon from the west pediment of the Parthenon. The full monumental figure once stood near the center of the composition across from the goddess Athena. The west pediment of the Parthenon is an intense scene of action and rhythmic motion based on a local Attic myth. Pausanias, a second century C.E. traveler, identified it as the Contest between Athena and Poseidon for the Land of Attica.

As the dueling Olympians move away from each other they create a powerful V- shaped composition also known as the strife motif. One might conclude from this formation that the original sculptors of the pediment chose to depict the moment after Athena had won the contest. Essentially, the two are leaping away from the center of the composition from an unknown force. Two conflicting interpretations prevail regarding what appeared between the two central figures. This force was arguably the intervention of Zeus through the appearance of a thunderbolt or the emergence of an olive tree or salt spring from the ground below. Regardless of what appears between the two, the scene portrayed a vigorous and striking event with dynamic figures. It was the first visible image as one proceeded through the Propylaia towards the Parthenon, surely provoking reactions of interest and awe.

A.G.