File:Travels and researches in Crete (1865) (14804280993).jpg

Identifier: travelsresearch01spra (find matches)
Title: Travels and researches in Crete
Year: 1865 (1860s)
Authors: Spratt, Thomas Abel Brimage, 1811-1888
Subjects:
Publisher: London J. van Voorst
Contributing Library: Robarts - University of Toronto
Digitizing Sponsor: University of Toronto

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g which ornamented the lower part of this fine relic(that resembles the carving upon the beautiful Ionictemple of Minerva Polias, in the Acropolis at Athens),and therefore to awaken deeper regret that the featuresof all the figures upon it were irreparably mutilatedpreviously to its discovery. The back field represents the triumph of Achillesover the body of Hector, which he is dragging by theheels behind his chariot before Troy. This, however,is only a rough, unfinished representation, but gave thekey to the recognition of the other sculptured faces inall their details. The front of the sarcophagus has a representationof the discovery of Achilles at the court of Lycomedesof Scyros, the two prominent figures in the groupbeing Achilles and Deidamia, who are seated in chairs.It is a finely executed group, containing, with heraldsand attendants, some dozen figures, as will be seen bythe view here given. The two ends have more exclusive reference to ACHILLES AT THE COURT OF LTCOMEDES. 279
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280 SCULPTUEE ON THE SAECOPHAGUS. Achilles. One depicts him in his youth, under theinstruction of the wise centaur Chiron, who taughthim the gymnastic exercises and music, with his otheraccomplishments; here, therefore, he is in the act ofgoing through some of his athletic attitudes; the otherrepresents him when in the zenith of his manhood andpower, but when under humiliation and grief at thedeath of his friend Patroclus, to whom also he had lenthis armour,—a fit subject and circumstance to heraldhis final triumph. Thetis, or Iris, then appears toconsole him in his grief, and promises to provide himwith new armour to avenge the death of his friend,some parts of which she seems to be here actually pre-senting to him; whilst Hephaestus or Vulcan him-self is behind her, in intent labour upon a new shieldfor his future use and glory. Of this, from its betterstate of preservation and its interesting character, Igive a sketch also. The interest naturally attaching to this fine relicawake

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