Aegina W 5 (Sculpture)

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Collection:	Munich, Glyptothek
Title:	Aegina, W. Ped. 2, fig. W 5: Right Crouching Warrior
Context:	From Aegina, Sanctuary of Aphaia
Findspot:	Excavated at Aegina, Sanctuary of Aphaia
Summary:	Crouching warrior attacking opponent
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 Crouching Warrior is fighting a one-on-one battle, part of a group within a group at the right end of the pediment. He nearly kneels as he drives his weapon into his opponent, who has fallen to the ground. (The opponent W6 has survived in extremely fragmentary condition and is not represented in the large pedimental reconstruction.) He leans forward on his left leg, bent so that the thigh is parallel to the ground. His right leg trails behind, with his knee nearly reaching the ground. With his right arm he thrust the weapon, probably a lance. The left held his shield. He wears a helmet pulled firmly down on his head. Many of its details were added separately: the cheekpieces, noseguard, crest, a band across the front. The great number of holes at the base of the helmet suggest the strands of hair were added individually, perhaps of lead like those of the East Pediment.

Form & Style:

The rendering of this torso is still somewhat schematic. The pose is odd because essentially unnatural. The sculptor is experimenting, stretching the body to the limit.

Condition: Nearly complete

Condition Description:

Missing forearms and feet.

Material Description:

Parian Marble

Associated Building: Aegina, Temple of Aphaia