A Catalogue of Sculpture in the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities, British Museum, Volume 1 (of 2)

by A. H. Smith

400. Theseus and the robber, Periphetes. Theseus stands over his adversary, who has been thrown down on the ground, and aims a blow at him. Both arms of Periphetes are stretched out as if to avert a spear-thrust, and it seems probable that the weapon of Theseus was a spear, which he directed with both hands. The left hand of Theseus still remains in front of his breast.

Height, 3 feet 9½ inches. Mus. Marbles, IX., pl. 20.

401. Theseus and Kerkyon, an Arcadian wrestler, who challenged all travellers to wrestle, and slew the vanquished. Theseus has lifted his adversary from the ground, and, clasping his hands together, grips him tightly round the body. Kerkyon is nearly helpless. His right arm passes behind the shoulder of Theseus, but with his left hand he seizes Theseus' right heel. Kerkyon is bearded, but the hair is hardly indicated in detail.

Height, 2 feet 9½ inches. Mus. Marbles, IX., pl. 21.

402. Theseus and the Sow of Crommyon. The sow stands on her hindlegs, resting her forefeet on the thigh and the drapery of Theseus. Theseus advances to the attack. The action of the right hand cannot be ascertained, but the right arm must have been raised above the head, and perhaps brandished a club. The left arm is concealed in the chlamys, which Theseus wears in this metope.

Height, 2 feet 9½ inches. Mus. Marbles, IX., pl. 21.

Casts of the West Frieze of the Theseion.

The subject of the West frieze of the Theseion admits of no doubt. Here we have represented the Battle of the Centaurs and Lapiths at the marriage feast of Peirithoös. It has been pointed out that this frieze appears to consist of metope-like groups, with a few figures added to give continuity between the different groups, such as is appropriate to a frieze. Thus, compare No. 403, 1 with the Parthenon Metope, No. 307. In the parts of the frieze, not represented by casts, compare the group engraved Overbeck, Gr. Plast. 3rd ed. i., p. 348, No. 2, with Michaelis, pl. 3, xxiv.; Overbeck, No. 6, with Parthenon metope, No. 311; Overbeck No. 8 with Michaelis, pl. 3, xi.