Hydra pediment
| Collection: | Athens, Acropolis Museum |
| Title: | Hydra pediment |
| Context: | From Athens, Acropolis |
| Findspot: | Found at Athens, Acropolis, SW of the Parthenon |
| Summary: | Herakles killing the Lernaian Hydra |
| Material: | Limestone |
| Sculpture Type: | Architectural |
| Category: | Single monument |
| Placement: | Pediment |
| Style: | High Archaic |
| Technique: | Very low relief |
| Original or Copy: | Original |
| Date: | ca. 600 BC - ca. 570 BC |
| Dimensions: | H. (max.) 0.79 m; W. 5.80 m; H. relief (max.) 0.03 m |
| Scale: | Under life-size |
| Region: | Attica |
| Period: | High Archaic |
Subject Description: The Hydra's fills the entire right half of the pediment; this coils of its many necks fill the right corner. A giant crab (Hera's crab, sent to aid the Hydra) fills the opposite corner. To the right of the crab is Iolaos, Herakles' helper and charioteer, who seems to be mounting (or dismounting) the chariot (while the horses seem to graze). While he faces to the left, Iolaos turns his head to the right to watch Herakles. Herakles, bearded and wearing a short, belted tunic (as is Iolaos), is shown at a larger scale than his mortal assistant. He strides toward the Hydra, with his left leg advanced, and holds his club high in his right hand, about to strike the monster.
Condition: Fragmentary
Condition Description: Reconstructed from many fragments. Large portions of all figures are missing, but enough details remain to substantiate the reconstruction in the museum. The pediment is brightly painted; mostly black and red pigment remain.
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