The Lenormant Athena is a famous small, marble votive relief depicting the Greek goddess Athena. It is a Roman copy, likely from the 2nd century CE, of a lost Greek original from the Classical period (c. 5th century BCE), often attributed to Phidias or his school. The relief gets its name from François Lenormant, a French archaeologist and Assyriologist, who identified and studied it in the 19th century.
Description
The relief measures approximately 0.45 meters (17.7 inches) in height and depicts Athena standing in a contemplative pose. She is shown wearing a chiton and a peplos, with the aegis draped over her chest, featuring a Gorgoneion (head of Medusa) in the center. Her head is slightly bowed, and she wears a Corinthian helmet pushed back, exposing her forehead. Her right arm is raised, possibly resting on a spear (now lost), while her left arm is bent, holding a shield that rests on the ground beside her. The overall style is characterized by its dignified simplicity and classical idealism. The back of the relief is flat and undecorated, suggesting it was meant to be viewed from the front, possibly set into a wall or a niche.
Discovery and Context
The exact circumstances of the relief's discovery are not fully documented, but it is believed to have been found in Athens, Greece, in the 19th century. François Lenormant, known for his work in epigraphy and ancient art, extensively studied this particular piece, recognizing its significance as a representation of a major cult statue or a highly revered artistic type. It is often considered to be a miniature copy or a reduced version of the lost monumental cult statue of Athena Parthenos by Phidias, which once stood in the Parthenon, or at least a work strongly influenced by it or related Athenian sculptural traditions of the Classical era. Other scholars have linked its style to the "Pallas of Velletri" type, another renowned statue of Athena.
Significance
The Lenormant Athena is significant for several reasons:
- Art Historical Value: As a Roman copy, it provides valuable insight into the appearance of lost Greek masterpieces, particularly those of the High Classical period. Its refined execution demonstrates the skill of Roman copyists in capturing the spirit of Greek originals.
- Iconography: It is an important example of Athena's iconography, showcasing key attributes like the aegis, helmet, and shield, which were central to her cult and artistic representation.
- Archaeological Evidence: It contributes to our understanding of ancient Athenian art and the widespread appreciation and replication of specific sculptural types throughout the Roman world.
Location
The Lenormant Athena relief is currently housed in the collection of the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, Greece (inventory number 129).
See Also
- Athena Parthenos
- Pallas of Velletri
- Phidias
- National Archaeological Museum, Athens