Parthenon Frieze

Definition

The Parthenon Frieze is a sculptural relief that runs along the upper part of the Parthenon's exterior, depicting a grand procession celebrating the Panathenaic Festival in honor of Athena. This frieze is an exceptional example of Classical Greek art, showcasing the intricate artistry and cultural significance of the time, which greatly influenced Roman art and architecture through its emphasis on narrative, realism, and civic pride.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Parthenon Frieze measures about 160 meters long and originally featured around 378 figures, showcasing a blend of human and divine participants in a ceremonial procession.
2. The frieze is divided into two main sections: one depicts the preparation for the Panathenaic Festival, while the other illustrates the actual procession itself.
3. The Parthenon was built during the Golden Age of Athens under Pericles, with the frieze completed around 432 BCE, reflecting the artistic advancements of that period.
4. The use of depth and layering in the frieze creates a sense of movement and life, showcasing the skillful technique employed by the artists who created it.
5. The frieze has had a lasting impact on art history, influencing both later Greek and Roman sculptures, which often emulated its style of narrative relief work.

Review Questions

• How does the Parthenon Frieze reflect the cultural values of Ancient Greece during its time?
  • The Parthenon Frieze embodies Ancient Greek values such as civic pride, community participation, and reverence for their deities. By depicting a grand procession for the Panathenaic Festival, it emphasizes the importance of public celebrations and rituals in Athenian society. The intricate details and dynamic scenes illustrate not only artistic skill but also a collective identity centered around worshiping Athena and celebrating Athenian achievements.
• Analyze how the design elements of the Parthenon Frieze influenced Roman art and architecture.
  • The Parthenon Frieze's use of narrative storytelling through sculptural reliefs significantly influenced Roman art, which adopted similar techniques to convey themes of civic duty and imperial power. The Romans integrated these design elements into their own monuments, reflecting their societal values. For instance, structures like Trajan's Column employed reliefs to tell stories of military triumphs, mirroring how the frieze communicated Athenian pride and identity.
• Evaluate the historical significance of the Parthenon Frieze in understanding Greek art's impact on later cultures.
  • The historical significance of the Parthenon Frieze lies in its role as a benchmark for artistic excellence and narrative sculpture in Western art. Its influence can be traced through centuries to various movements, including Renaissance art, where artists drew inspiration from its balance, realism, and composition. The frieze not only showcases Greek artistic innovation but also serves as a foundation upon which later cultures built their artistic expressions, making it a pivotal reference point in art history.

Related terms

Panathenaic Festival: An ancient Athenian festival held in honor of the goddess Athena, featuring athletic competitions, cultural events, and a grand procession that inspired the scenes depicted in the Parthenon Frieze.

Ionic Order: A style of classical architecture characterized by slender columns with scroll-like volutes on their capitals, which was often employed in Greek structures and influenced Roman architectural design.

Elgin Marbles: A collection of classical Greek marble sculptures that were part of the Parthenon and other buildings on the Acropolis of Athens, now housed in the British Museum, including portions of the frieze.