The Lesche of the Knidians: Reflections in Sculpture

Sculpture from Pediment at Olympia
The pediments from Olympia also exhibit "Polygnotan" characteristics. Figures with wind-blown drapery are seated, clasping their knees and showing intense emotion before an impending disaster. Polygnotos was also the first, according to Pliny, to explore the possibilities of emotional expression. Some of the figures of the Lesche paintings were represented with a calm expression of ethos, while others were shown opening their mouths and showing their teeth, an expression of pathos and suffering. The Louvre krater by the Niobid Painter also exhibits this use of emotional expression. The seated figure of a warrior from the krater is often compared to the description by Pausanias of Polygnotos' Hector from the Nekyia: "Hector is seated, clasping his left knee with both hands represented in the attitude of one who grieves." Ares from the Parthenon frieze is also depicted in this attitude.

Hektor, from C. Robert



Click here for representations of Ethos and Pathos

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Introduction | Archaeology | Reconstruction | The Paintings | Layout and Design | Material and Color | The Iliupersis | Epigram by Simonides | The Nekyia | Chronology | Kimon | Knidos | Reflections in Other Media | The Niobid Painter | Drapery | Sculpture | Conclusion | Bibliography

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