Unmounted youths preparing for the cavalcade (Parthenon)

myminifactory

This ancient marble relief originates from the north frieze of the Parthenon, capturing unmounted youth preparing for a grand procession. One youthful figure grasps his rearing horse, eager to join the cavalcade unfolding ahead. Anticipation and excitement course through their bodies, tense with nervous energy. The young man raises his arm in a deliberate gesture that was part of an ancient Greek sign language used when the cacophony of the procession made spoken words indistinguishable. As he glances back at his companion, the latter looks down, absorbed in a moment of quiet contemplation. Throughout the Parthenon frieze, a figure's mood is conveyed by the position of their head rather than facial expression alone.