Preparation
Most scholars who have studied the west frieze believe that it depicts the preparation of the Panathenaic procession that took place in the Kerameikos.
At each end of the west side an official is depicted. Between them are scenes with horsemen and horses in various positions. The procession moves from right to left.
At each end of the west side an official is depicted. Between them are scenes with horsemen and horses in various positions. The procession moves from right to left.
Characteristic of the frieze are three similar standing figures, wearing a chlamys, that form vertical axes at intervals.
Characteristic of the frieze are three similar standing figures, wearing a chlamys, that form vertical axes at intervals.
Characteristic of the frieze are three similar standing figures, wearing a chlamys, that form vertical axes at intervals.
Two horsemen bind their sandals.
Two horsemen bind their sandals.
Some are bridling their horses…
Some are bridling their horses…
some are conversing.
Some horses are standing still…
some begin to move forward…
some gallop.
Two horsemen try to restrain a horse, which has turned back toward the oncoming procession.
Notable is a herald whose horse has bent its head between the legs, a pose unique on all the frieze.
Predominating in the centre is the figure of another horseman who is trying to bridle his horse. This is the only block in the entire frieze that is devoted to a man and horse alone. Some consider it to be a work by Pheidias himself.
The horsemen show great variety in their dress. Some are almost nude…
others wear a short chiton with chlamys…
some wear a chlamys, a short chiton and a petasos…
and a few are in short chiton, cuirass and helmet.
Two bearded horsemen, dressed alike in a chiton secured on one shoulder (exomis) and chlamys, boots and a fox-skin hat (alopeke) on their heads, stand out. They are considered to be the two hipparchs.
Two bearded horsemen, dressed alike in a chiton secured on one shoulder (exomis) and chlamys, boots and a fox-skin hat (alopeke) on their heads, stand out. They are considered to be the two hipparchs.
