The colossal statue of Athenè Parthenos by Pheidias was placed within the central chamber of the Parthenon. The figure was made of gold and ivory, and was, with its base, about 40 feet high. Athenè stood, draped in chiton and aegis. In her left hand she held her spear and shield. Between her and her shield was the serpent Erichthonios. On her outstretched right hand was a winged Victory, six feet high, holding a wreath. The helmet of the Goddess was adorned, according to Pausanias, with a Sphinx and Gryphons. From detailed copies of the head (_Athenische Mittheilungen_, viii., pl. 15; _Cat. of Gems in B. M._ 637, 638) we learn that the Gryphons were on the cheek-pieces, and that there was a figure of Pegasos on each side of the Sphinx. There was also a row of small horses at the front of the helmet. All available space was covered with reliefs. A battle between Greeks and Amazons (see below, Nos. 301, 302) was seen on the exterior of the shield, and one between Gods and Giants on its interior. On the base was a representation of the birth of Pandora (see No. 301) and on the edges of the sandals was a battle between Centaurs and Lapiths. The statue disappeared from view with the fall of paganism. Nos. 300-302 afford some of the materials for its reconstruction. Rough reproductions of the figure also occur on Attic reliefs, such as Nos. 771-773. The statuette, No. 300, is of service for the details of the composition, although it is artistically a poor copy. The Lenormant statuette, No. 301, though rough and incomplete, is of more value for its rendering of the features. The column beneath the hand of Athenè (in No. 300) presents some difficulty, as it is not mentioned in descriptions of the statue and seldom occurs in reproductions of it. It is seen in an Attic relief (_Michaelis_, pl. 15, fig. 7) on a lead ticket (_Zeitschr. für Numismatik_, x., p. 152) and, in the form of an olive tree, on a Lycian coin of the time of Alexander (_Zeitschr. für Num._, _loc. cit._; Murray, ii., pl. 11). It is more probable that an existing support should be omitted in reliefs, than that it should be inserted if non-existent. It is possible, however, that the support was not a part of the design of Pheidias, but was an addition, found to be necessary before the time of Alexander. [Sidenote: =300.=] Cast of a statuette, copied from the Athenè Parthenos. The Goddess wears a helmet, ægis, chiton with diploïdion girt round the waist, bracelets and sandals; her left hand rests on her shield, which stands on its edge at her side. In the centre of the outside of the shield is a mask of Medusa, and inside a serpent; the right hand of Athenè is extended in front and rests on a column with the palm open upwards, holding a figure of Victory, in whose hands are remains of what is thought to be a garland. The head of the Victory is wanting. On the centre of the helmet of Athenè is a Sphinx, and at each side has been a Pegasos.