Delphi, Daochos Monument, Aknonios (Sculpture)

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Collection:	Delphi Archaeological Museum
Title:	Aknonios
Context:	From Delphi
Findspot:	Excavated at Delphi
Summary:	Standing male figure in tunic and chlamys
Object Function:	Votive
Material:	Marble
Sculpture Type:	Multi-figure group
Category:	Statuary group
Style:	Late Classical
Technique:	In-the-round
Original or Copy:	Original
Date:	ca. 336 BC - ca. 332 BC
Dimensions:	Restored H ca. 2.05/2.10 m
Scale:	Over life-size
Region:	Phocis
Period:	Late Classical
In Group:	Delphi, Daochos Monument

Subject Description:

Aknonios, oldest of the six generations represented and formerly tetrarch of Thessaly, stands at the right end of the base, next to Apollo. The position is certain from the nearly complete plinth, which fits neatly into the cutting. The inscription on the front of the base gives only his name, patronymic and title. He faces forward, his weight on his right leg, his left leg slightly bent at the knee. Although the arms are not preserved, it is clear that the upper left arm extended in a nearly horizontal position from the shoulder, probably bent to hold a lance. The right arm hung down, though the forearm was clear of the body. He wears an unbelted, knee-length tunic and a short cloak of about the same length, the chlamys, which covers most of the tunic. The cloak was fastened with a metal pin on the right shoulder; the holes for the pin's insertion are preserved. On his feet are sandals, under which are socks. These are better seen on Sisyphos I, since the lower legs of Aknonios are restored.

The cloth of both garments is similarly treated. It has the same finish and appears to be of the same heavy weigh. The garments are differentiated by the way in which they are draped and by deep undercutting, especially along the lower edge of the chlamys. Both garments are characterized by relatively few folds. The broad spaces separating the vertical folds of the tunic are made interesting by light modeling. The V-shape of the lower edge of the chlamys is echoed by smaller V-shaped folds extending from the shoulders. A cowl formed by the cloth around the shoulders shields the join of the neck, which was set into the torso. The base of the neck is extant, though the head broke off and is missing.

Adam discusses this statue in some detail from a technical perspective. She thinks it unlikely, though not impossible, that the draped figures were copied from bronze originals.

Condition: Fragmentary

Condition Description:

The draped torso to just below the knees and the plinth with feet are preserved. Part of the neck, which was carved separately with the head, is in place. The head is missing, as are both arms. The lower legs, from below the knees to the ankles, are restored. Some parts of the drapery have broken away, espeically a section on the proper right side. The surface is generally in good condition.

Material Description:

Parian marble

Technique Description:

Head, right arm and probably at least part of the left arm (not preserved) made separately and doweled.

Inscription:

On the front face of the base, below the statue:

"Aknonios, the son of Aparos, tetrarch of the Thessalians". (FdDelph 3.4, no. 460)

Sources Used: GuideDelphMu 1991, 91ff.; Stewart 1990, 187; Themelis 1979, 507ff.; FdDelph 3.4, no. 460 (Pouilloux, 1976); Tsirivakos 1972, 70ff.; Dohrn 1968; Adam 1966, 97ff.; FdDelph 2.10, 67 ff.; Will 1938