The Parthenon
From Antiquity to the Present

Provides an overview of a classical monument interjected with the discoveries of modern scholarship.

Jenifer Neils (Edited by)

9780521820936, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 5 September 2005

454 pages
26.3 x 18.7 x 3.2 cm, 1.32 kg

'… this is a tome for specialists - and, as such, rather a good one.' The Times Literary Supplement

This volume provides an overview of the Parthenon from antiquity to the modern era. Recent discoveries, such as the marble sculpture fragments found during the current restoration work on the Acropolis, or a vase excavated in Northern Greece whose decoration echoes a lost pedimental composition, have forced scholars to reconsider many aspects of one of the most important monuments of classical antiquity. Bringing together essays on various aspects of this world-renowned temple, this book examines the dramatic setting of the temple and its impact on modern architects such as Le Corbusier; new reconstructions and interpretations of Pheidias' vast sculptural program; in-depth analysis of architectural refinements; the techniques employed in making the colossal gold-and-ivory cult statue; and a consideration of the Christian and Muslim phases of the Parthenon's history. Collectively, they enhance our understanding of one of the icons of Western art.

1. Space and theme: the setting of the Parthenon Jeffery Hurwit
2. Wealth, power and prestige: classical Athens at home and abroad Lisa Kallet
3. The architecture and architects of the classical Parthenon Barbara A. Barletta
4. Bending the truth: curvature and other refinements Lothar Haselberger
5. A celebration of Victory: the Metopes Katherine Schwab
6. 'Noblest images on all sides': the ionic frieze Jenifer Neils
7. Fire from heaven: the pediments and Akroteria Olga Palagia
8. The statue of Athena and other treasures Kenneth Lapatin
9. 'Bestride the very peak of heaven': the Parthenon after antiquity Robert Ousterhout
10. 'Well recorded worth': photographs of the Parthenon Andrew Szegedy-Maszak
11. The Parthenon in the modern era Richard A. Etlin.

Subject Areas: Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA], History of art: ancient & classical art,BCE to c 500 CE [ACG]