Severan copy of Athena Parthenos and 13th Century Virgin and
Severan copy of Athena Parthenos and 13th Century Virgin andComparison of Severan copy of Athena Parthenos and 13th century Virgin and Mary
The Severan copy of Athena Parthenos and an early 13th century Virgin child are two pieces at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts that compare and contrast in several ways. Their historical importance as symbols, their sculptural mediums, styles and dimensions, and their functions make them historically relevant.
The Reduced Replica of Athena Parthenos - at the MFA in Boston is a marble statue which depicts a graceful, robed female icon. The statue has lost both arms, and is dressed in a chiton Athena , also referred to as Minerva, the Maiden, or Parthenos was the Favorite daughter of Zeus. Legend states that she was not generated by any woman with Zeus, but instead leapt out of his head fully grown and armored. Athena is known an the goddess of wisdom, the goddess of the city , the protectress of civilized life, artisan activities , and agricultural bounty. All of these characteristics explain her sculptural likenesses in so many ancient cities in need of dietous protection. 1
This particular piece is of Severan creation. The Severans came to power in the late second century. Marcus Aurelius� son Commodus succeeded his father in 180, only to inherit an empire that was becoming increasingly harder to uphold , and imperial order was being threatened. Eventually, he was assassinated , and the Roman world was thrown into civil discord. Septimius Severus emerged as the new emperor in 193 after proclaiming himself to be Marcus Aurelius� son. 2
The Severan�s hometown was called Lepcis Magna, on the coast of what is now Libya. In the early third century the port city used imperial funds to ornament itself with a new forum, basilica , arch, and several monuments and statues. One of these statues may be the Athena Parthenos . 3
Like other heroic statues of second and third century Rome, Athena has a rigid , strong but graceful torso that can be seen in the later period of Soldier Emperors that would follow in coming decades. While examining Athena�s garb- her birthday suit of armor and cloth - a paralell can be drawn to the battle gear seen in the Ludovisi battle sarcophagus and the Athena�s chiton. In both of these , the garments� cloth hangs with a powerful rigidity that doesn�t really cling to the body. This gives a feeling of protective layering and puts limited focus on the anatomy of the covered torso and limbs.
The Virgin and Child is an oak sculpture of the sacred religious icons enthroned in a frontal pose. She is crowned...
To view the complete essay, you be registered.