| Collection: | Paris, Musée du Louvre |
| Title: | Choiseul Marble (Parthenon Treasury Account of 410/09) |
| Findspot: | Said to be from Athens |
| Summary: | Athena and Erechtheus beside an olive tree |
| Object Function: | Other document |
| Material: | Marble |
| Sculpture Type: | Stele, relief-decorated |
| Style: | High Classical |
| Technique: | Low relief |
| Original or Copy: | Original |
| Date: | exact 409 BC |
| Dimensions: | Stele: H 1.18 m, W (of inscription) 0.78 m, D 0.17 m, Relief: H 0.56 m, W 0.62 m |
| Scale: | Miniature |
| Region: | Attica |
| Period: | High Classical |
Subject Description: Opisthographic stele with bas relief at the top and the accounts of the Treasurers of Athena for the year 410/09 below. The inscription was carved in the following year and the relief must be contemporary with it. The relief occupies the entire width of the upper portion of the stele and is bounded at the top and bottom by a simple flat molding. The lower molding serves as a ground line on which two figures and a tree stand. On the left is Athena, recognizable by her dress (a belted peplos), pose and the spear she carries. She pivots slightly on her left leg to acknowledge the bearded male figure on the other side of the tree. He wears a himation draped loosely around his body and carries a staff under his left arm. His right arm is raised in a gesture to Athena. Although his face is not well preserved, it is apparent that he is an older man. He has been called both Demos and Erechtheus. In favor of the identification as Erechtheus are his bare feet (in contrast to those of Athena), which may underline his connection with his mother Ge. A similar figure, possibly also Erechtheus, appears on the east side of the Parthenon frieze (see
Form & Style:
Because it is dated so precisely, this relief is often cited as a stylistic reference in dating other monuments whose history is less well known. The figure of Athena, with her support leg entirely masked by the vertical folds of the drapery while the free leg is fully modeled, displays a pose characteristic of the last decade of the 5th century. The ovoid folds which form over the right calf, as well as the pockets of drapery which appear at the sides where the cloth is pulled over the belt, are also characteristic of the period. The many folds depicted in the himation of the male figure are a feature of the Rich Style of sculpture practiced especially in Athens at this time.
Date Description:
Accounts on the obverse side include those from all ten prytanies of 410/09 and therefore must have been carved after the conclusion of that year, in 409/08. The relief above the inscription must be contemporary. The reverse inscription was apparently added several years later, since it records the accounts of 407/06 BC.
Condition: Complete
Condition Description:
Missing small fragments from the moldings and edges. Of the relief, the outlines of both figures are clear although Athena's head is nearly erased and the head of the male figure badly damaged. Damage also to their arms, hands and feet. Single vertical crack runs the length of the stone.
Material Description:
Pentelic marble
Inscription:
IG I(3), 375 (= IG I(2) 304). Inscriptions on both sides of the stele. Accounts on the obverse are for the complete year 410/09. Accounts on the reverse are incomplete, carved by two masons and thought to be from the year 407/06, added later. (Lawton)
Collection History:
Found in Athens in 1788. Brought to Paris by Choiseul-Gouffier in the following year. Purchased by the Louvre in 1818.
Sources Used:
Other Bibliography: