Olympia, Lion Metope (Sculpture)

Collection:	Olympia Archaeological Museum
Title:	Olympia Lion Metope
Context:	From Olympia
Findspot:	Excavated at Olympia
Summary:	Herakles and the Nemean Lion
Material:	Marble
Sculpture Type:	Architectural
Category:	Statuary group
Placement:	West Metope 1
Style:	Early Classical
Technique:	High relief
Original or Copy:	Original
Date:	ca. 470 BC - ca. 457 BC
Dimensions:	H: 1.60 m (nearly square)
Scale:	Under life-size
Region:	Elis
Period:	Early Classical
In Group:	Olympia Metopes

Subject Description:

The first metope (reading from left to right) over the west "porch" depicts Herakles' Defeat of the Nemean Lion. Herakles stands in the center, head resting on his hand, foot on the back of the fallen lion. On the left stands Athena, quietly looking down at him. In the space on the right stood a third figure, presumably Hermes, who also helped with the Labors. Though relatively few fragments of the metope are preserved, the pose and position of Herakles as well as the general composition of the metope are assured by the lion and by the location of Herakles' feet in relation to it.

The placement of the metope on the far left of the west side, as given by the findspots of the fragments and by Pausanias' listing (Paus. 5.10.10), is generally accepted. As the earliest of the twelve canonic Labors, it is an appropriate beginning for the cycle which is first established here. Herakles and Athena appear in their most youthful guise. Herakles is unbearded; Athena has the face and figure of a young woman. Perhaps the presence of two gods is warranted because this is the first of Herakles' trials.

The moment chosen to illustrate the episode is the aftermath of the victory. This is a significant change from earlier, archaic depictions which normally showed the height of the struggle. The choice is characteristic of the Early Classical spirit. The weariness of Herakles is indicative of his human frailty. Though no longer engaged in the actual struggle, he is nonetheless portrayed as an athlete, specifically a wrestler with a cauliflower ear. Perhaps a connection with the competitors in the Games is intended.

Date Description:

See Olympia Metope Overview.

Condition: Fragmentary

Condition Description:

Athena: Head and part of right arm; Herakles: head, parts of both arms and right leg; Lion, largely complete. Most of the lion is in Paris with cast in Olympia; other fragments are in Olympia.

Associated Building: Olympia, Temple of Zeus

Collection History: The lion was excavated along with other fragments by the French in 1829. Other fragments found by the Germans in excavations beginning in 1875.

Sources Used: Stewart 1990, 142 ff.; Brommer 1986; Boardman 1985a, 33ff.; Mallwitz & Herrmann 1980, 161ff.; Robertson 1975, 276 ff.; Ashmole 1972, 27 ff.; Ridgway 1970; Ashmole & Yalouris 1967