Greek Classical Sculpture

Torso of Poseidon

West Pediment, Parthenon, Athens

The upper portion of this monumental torso is all that remains of the figure of Poseidon from the west pediment of the Parthenon. It was the west facade of the Parthenon that greeted ancient visitors as they proceeded through the Propylaia, or entrance to the Acropolis. In general, the west end of a typical Greek temple is the back of the temple, and this is where we can expect to see a more dynamic story in the pediment, in contrast to the quieter scene in the east or front of a temple.

Originally, the massive figure of Poseidon stood near the center of the pedimental composition, across from the goddess Athena. This disposition accords well with accounts from Pausanias, who identified the scene as a 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." Athena has already won the contest, but Poseidon challenges her. The two leap from the center of the composition as a thunderbolt hurled by Zeus settles the contest. The city is named for the victor, Athena.