Parthenon Frieze _ North XXXIX, 106-107-108

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Human: Marble relief (Block XXXIX) from the North frieze of the Parthenon, a testament to ancient craftsmanship, shows parts of three draped riders in varying states of preservation. The right corner is badly damaged and discoloured, while much of the surface is corroded or pitted by micro-organisms, a feature common among the North frieze cavalcade. The horsemen of the North frieze are composed of overlapping phalanxes, each unique in its own way, despite being part of an unequal division. Great variation exists among the riders, with some heavily draped and others all but naked. Some ride bareheaded, while others wear a distinctive form of cap, adding to the visual interest. Metal reins, now lost, were once inserted in drill-holes. The North frieze is divided between the British Museum and the Acropolis museum, each holding half of the 58.70 m total length. The scenes begin at the northwest corner of the opisthonaos as a continuation of the procession started on the west side, running from block N XLVII to block N I. Action develops gradually, accelerating from quiet preparation to a gallop. Horsemen are depicted proceeding in groups of seven or eight, with horses partly overlapping each other, creating a continuous flow. However, this is interrupted only by the marshal (90) on block XXXIV. Variety is achieved through different garments, stances, and gestures among the horsemen, as well as occasional depictions of men turning their heads to look back. The frieze of the Parthenon forms a continuous band with scenes in low relief that encircles the upper part of the cella within the outer colonnade. The theme represented is the procession toward the Acropolis during the Great Panathenaia, commemorating the birthday of goddess Athena.