Aegina W 13, Left Falling Opponent of W. Ped. 2, upper portion of figure f...
Aegina W 13, Left Falling Opponent of W. Ped. 2, back of figure, from behi...
Aegina W 13, Left Falling Opponent of W. Ped. 2, back of figure, from behi...
Aegina W 13, Left Falling Opponent of W. Ped. 2, back of figure, from behi...
Aegina W 13, Left Falling Opponent of W. Ped. 2, right shoulder and arm, f...
Aegina W 13, Left Falling Opponent of W. Ped. 2, left arm holding up shield
| Collection: | Munich, Glyptothek |
| Title: | Aegina, W. Ped. 2, fig. W 13: Left Falling Opponent |
| Context: | From Aegina, Sanctuary of Aphaia |
| Findspot: | Excavated at Aegina, Sanctuary of Aphaia |
| Summary: | Left falling warrior with upraised shield |
| Material: | Marble |
| Sculpture Type: | Architectural |
| Category: | Statuary group |
| Placement: | West pediment |
| Style: | Late Archaic |
| Technique: | In-the-round |
| Date: | ca. 500 BC - ca. 490 BC |
| Scale: | Life-size |
| Region: | Saronic Gulf |
| Period: | Late Archaic |
| In Group: | Aegina West Pediment 2 |
Subject Description:
The Opponent of the attacking warrior has fallen to the ground, his head toward the corner. His pose approximates that of the dying warrior to the left, though in line with his position closer to the center, he raises himself higher on his right arm. With his left arm he literally shields his body from the blows of his attacker. The left leg is extended and, in the modern reconstruction, does not quite touch the ground. The right leg is bent at the knee, the calf tucked behind him. The figure is nude. There is no indication of long hair.
Form & Style:
The rendering of the torso places this figure solidly within the West Pediment style, yet in other respects the Falling Opponent seems the most developed of all the West Pediment figures. This has not so much to do with anatomical development as with a daring and innovative quality in the pose. With his right arm he supports not just the upper torso but his entire body as he resists being pushed down. The left thigh is especially powerfully modeled, but there is a sense of tension throughout the body which is unusual in the West Pediment but which comes to characterize the East. The tucking under of the right leg is an interesting and unusual pose. Lastly, this is the only figure of the West who breaks through the front pedimental plane. His right hand projects beyond the pediment edge, a device which again will be used in the East.
Condition: Nearly complete
Condition Description:
Missing head, parts of hands and toes. The torso was heavily recut in the Thorvaldsen restoration. The shield-stay is original; the shield itself is restored.
Material Description:
Parian Marble
Associated Building: Aegina, Temple of Aphaia