Slab from the Amazon frieze 9

myminifactory

This, the best-preserved of three friezes from the Mausoleum, depicts the expedition by Herakles and Theseus to Themiskyra, with the subsequent battle against the Amazons. This theme was common in Greek art but particularly relevant to Maussollos. According to Karian tradition, an axe owned by Amazon queen Hippolyte was housed at Labraunda, the ancestral sanctuary of the Hekatomnid dynasty. In one frieze slab, Hippolyte is shown engaging in combat with Herakles. This significant scene may have held a prominent position on the monument, possibly at the center of the east side. The frieze was situated at the top of the podium of the building. A corner block found in the Castle of St. Peter at Bodrum shows that the frieze met at the corners and probably encircled all four sides of the Mausoleum. The frieze was richly colored, with a blue background and flesh painted deep red, sometimes enhanced by gilding. Metal additions such as weapons, reins, and bridles were included according to the preference of individual sculptors.