Name:	Torso of Poseidon
Picture:
Description:	Figure 'M' from the west pediment of the Parthenon. London, British Museum and Athens, National Museum. H. 0.83m. Torso of Poseidon from the centre left of the west pediment. The scene is effectively an act of violence -- Poseidon's muscles are bunched as he flings wide his arms, calling the sea to come to his aid.
Date:	438-432 B.C.
Discussion:	The west pediment of the Parthenon shows the battle for Athens between Athena and Poseidon, the two central figures, who display their gifts to the city (an olive tree and a salt-water spring). Flanking them are two chariot groups, Hermes and Iris (messengers of Zeus, who ordered the combatants to stop their squabble), and the legendary royal families of Athens, including Kekrops, the first king. The angle figures seem to be river-gods of Attika: Olympia, Kallirhoe and Ilissus. See Robertson 1981: 95; Stewart 1990: 152-4; 359 (ill.).