Parthenon Frieze _ North XLVII, 132-136

myminifactory

Marble relief (Block XLVII) from the North frieze of the Parthenon forms a stunning visual representation of the Panathenaic festival procession. The procession commemorates the birthday of the goddess Athena, showcasing the grandeur and splendor of ancient Greek culture. Like its southern counterpart, the northern branch features mounted horsemen, chariots, elders, musicians, pitcher-bearers, tray-bearers, and figures leading sacrificial victims in a majestic display. The North frieze is divided between two museums: half resides in the British Museum, while the other half can be found in the Acropolis museum. The total length of the north frieze measures 58.70 meters, showcasing a breathtaking narrative that unfolds gradually from block N XLVII to block N I. Starting at the northwest corner of the opisthonaos, the procession continues seamlessly, as if it had already begun on the west side. The action builds in intensity, transitioning from quiet preparation to a frenetic gallop. The horsemen are depicted in groups of seven or eight, with horses overlapping each other, creating a dynamic and continuous flow. The only interruption comes from the marshal (90) on block XXXIV, yet even this moment is infused with variety, as the riders' garments, stances, and gestures differ. Despite the repetition, monotony is expertly avoided through occasional depictions of horsemen turning to look back or exhibiting different postures. This ensures that the viewer remains engaged and captivated by the procession's unfolding drama. The frieze encircles the upper part of the cella within the outer colonnade, forming a continuous band with low-relief scenes. The theme represented is the grand procession toward the Acropolis during the Great Panathenaia, commemorating Athena's birthday in all its glory. Numbering taken from I. Jenkins' "The Parthenon Frieze," 1994; frieze slabs are marked in Roman numerals, while people are denoted by Arabic numerals.