Page:Greek Buildings Represented by Fragments in the British Museum (1908).djvu/132

 ii6 THE PARTHENON AND ITS SCULPTURES. be gained by comparison with the lately discovered sculptures of Olympia, which, although they are more archaic in style, have much in common as compositions with the pediments of the Parthenon. The relation of the two works is not settled, but undoubtedly one of them derived much from the other. It is usual to describe first the western gable of the Parthenon, as it is the first seen and more is known of it, especially through Carrey's drawing (Fig. 114), best published by Omont. This drawing, notwithstanding a quality in some degree repellant, proves to be remarkably trustworthy, and, after one has got accustomed to its style, truth is evident in every touch. Other drawings by Dalton, 1749, and Pars, 1765, are helpful ; and analogy with vase paintings and marble reliefs has re- flected a light on the design. (Fig. 115.) An introduction to the subject is best gained, I think, by a comparison of the statues in the Museum with the model made by the sculptor Lucas, about 1844, where the facts are rendered with much feeling and fidelity. Useful collec- tions of illustrations, includ- ing reproductions of Carrey's drawings, are contained in Dr Murray's volume, 1903, and in the excellent Museum Guide. (The last edition. May 1908, is just published.) In the middle of the western pediment, under its peak, stood Athena and Poseidon, in energetic attitudes of protest and surprise. Between them was probably seen the olive tree which she had just called into existence. Right and left of this pair were their chariots, with rearing, frightened horses. The heads of the right-hand pair, and the place they occupied, were identified by Sauer. Under Poseidon's chariot both Carrey and Dalton show a fish, probably a dolphin, the recognised symbol of the sea.* Behind the chariots on each side were groups of spectators. Fig. 116. — Hercules Relief : Paris. a fish is often shown under the bull which bears off Europa.
 * On a vase in the Museum Poseidon and Ampliitrite carry dolphins, and