Aegina W 4 (Sculpture)

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Collection:	Munich, Glyptothek
Title:	Aegina, W. Ped. 2, fig. W 4: Right Archer, Teucer (?)
Context:	From Aegina, Sanctuary of Aphaia
Findspot:	Excavated at Aegina, Sanctuary of Aphaia
Summary:	Archer, possibly Teucer, brother of Ajax
Material:	Marble
Sculpture Type:	Architectural
Category:	Statuary group
Placement:	West pediment 2
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 Archer on the right faces toward the corner, forming one side of a four-figure group on the right end of the pediment. He is aiming at the figure in the far right corner. He balances on a triangle consisting of his right knee, the ball of his right foot and his left foot. His left arm is extended, the right drawn back, his back erect. He wears a short chiton and cuirass. Many details were added, especially to the cuirass, including the upper row of lappets around the skirt. Since the archer on the left side of the pediment wears a Persian costume and thus is logically equated with Paris, Ohly identifies this figure as Teucer, brother of Ajax and the other famous archer in the second war against Troy.

Form & Style:

The figure of the Right Archer, possibly Teucer, from the West Pediment provides an instructive contrast with Herakles from the East. Both wear chiton and cuirass and are similarly posed. However, there are subtle but significant differences. The first concerns the pose. Teucer is safely balanced on three points, while Herakles rests on only two. His knee is raised just off the ground, thereby increasing the tension in the body. The difference is due partially to the interpretation of a slightly different pose, but it also represents an experiment on the part of the sculptor. Noteworthy, too, is the lack of any strut. There is a distinct difference in the modeling as well. Teucer's right thigh shows little modeling; the calf of the same leg seems a pattern of shallow indentations. Herakles' legs and especially his arms are extensively modeled. Lastly the East Pediment sculptor shows an interest in texture and natural laws not observed by the West Pediment carvers. The way in which the chiton spreads over Herakles' thigh, then forms folds which conform to the law of gravity and yet are not mere pattern shows an interest in the behavior of cloth. The skirt formed by the chiton around the back is also a contrast — one undulates while the other is stiff as leather. Most interesting, however, is not the correct rendering of an object when it must be rendered, but the decision to include details in order to illustrate an effect or add a note of authenticity. Such must be the case when the sculptor of Herakles pulled the chiton through the armhole of the cuirass and created a soft bunch of folds. Teucer exhibits no such details and appears conservative even among the West Pediment group.

Condition: Nearly complete

Condition Description: Missing left lower leg, forearms, head and the many details added in marble.

Material Description:

Parian Marble

Associated Building: Aegina, Temple of Aphaia