Greek Classical Sculpture

Charioteer

The chariot groups of the north and south friezes illustrate the celebratory events within the Great Panathenaic procession begun in 566 BCE. This chariot race, or apobates race involved four-horse chariots or quadrigas, and were directed by a driver or charioteer with the assistance of a foot soldier in full armor. The competition included a chariot race to a certain point where the foot soldier would jump off the moving vehicle and dash to the finish line. The horses and foot soldiers of the frieze demonstrate the importance of strength in the intensity of the moment depicted. Apobatai of the north frieze evoke heroism through rapid movement or the evident muscularity of both horses and men.

Fairfield's cast of the Charioteer of the north frieze wears a traditional long garment. He stands upright, with his forearms extended as he pulls on the reins. The horses stand still, acknowledging his command; they respond as if shaking their heads in recognition to start. Behind the charioteer a foot soldier would have grabbed onto the guardrail moments before pulling himself into the chariot. Here, the charioteer commands his quadriga as an elegant athlete in the midst of competition.