The restoration of the Sculptured Cornice, which has been built up
from the small fragments excavated by Mr. Wood, is certainly accurate
in its general outlines, although the result is quite unique in form.
In place of the small cornice with floral decorations, common in later
temples (compare the cornice from Phigaleia, No. 505), the archaic
temple of Artemis was surmounted by a lofty cornice, 2 ft. 10-3/4 in.
high. Lions' heads projected at intervals, and drained off the
rain water. The intervals between the lions' heads were occupied by
metope-like compositions, carved in a delicate early style.
The original frieze probably extended along the two long sides of the
temple. The existing remains are small portions of at least thirty
figures. It is therefore impossible to reconstruct the separate groups
with much certainty, although the subjects can, to a certain extent,
be conjectured. An attempted restoration of a combat between a Lapith
and a Centaur is exhibited. The frieze also included chariots and
horses; warriors in chariots, and on foot; and perhaps scenes with
Harpies.
The central group on the cornice with the combat of a Centaur and
Lapith is composed of the following fragments. See _Journ. of Hellen.
Studies_, x., p. 2, for sketches of No. 46, 1-18.
[Sidenote: =46.=]
[Sidenote: 1.]
Fragment with the forelegs, which are human, and the hind hoof of
a kneeling Centaur. In front the greaved left leg of a Lapith.
Height, 7 inches; width, 1 foot 7 inches. _Journ. of Hellen.
Studies_, X., pl. 4, fig. 6.
[Sidenote: 2.]
Hand with branch, from top of cornice, presumed to be the hand of
a Centaur.
Height, 4 inches; width, 5-1/2 inches.
[Sidenote: 3.]
Part of branch, from top of cornice.
Height, 3 inches; width, 8 inches.
[Sidenote: 4.]
Back of head of Lapith, to left, with part of top moulding of
cornice. Short curling hair.
Height, 5 inches; width, 6 inches.
[Sidenote: 5.]
Lower part of cuirass of Lapith worn over a short tunic.
Height, 3 inches; width, 8-1/2 inches.
Two female figures are placed as spectators on each side of the
combat. On the left the remains are:--
[Sidenote: 6.]
Part of a female head, turned to the right, and wearing a taenia.
Height, 4-1/2 inches; width, 4-1/2 inches.
[Sidenote: 7.]
Part of drapery of standing female figure.
Height, 4 inches; width, 6 inches.
[Sidenote: 8.]
Feet of standing female figure, wearing shoes, with slightly
turned-up toes, and three bands across each shoe.
Height, 6 inches; width, 7-1/2 inches.
The remains of the figure on the right of the group are:--
[Sidenote: 9.]
Upper part of female head to the left, wearing a diadem.
Height, 3 inches; width, 5 inches.
[Sidenote: 10.]
Part of middle of female figure, standing to the left, wearing
chiton and himation. The left hand by the side.
Height, 3-1/2 inches; width, 8-1/2 inches.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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