P 11

Athens Page 12

 P 13

THE WEST  PEDIMENT

The west pediment of the Parthenon used to represent Athena’s vocation for peace and civilization in the shape of her dispute with Posedon in order to take possession of Attica; Athena came out victorious with the gift of an olive tree whereas Poseïdon had suggested a spring of salted water. The pediment is sculptured in the round that is to say that the sculpture completely sticks out of its support (see the representation of Cephissus, seen from the side and from the back). There are only a few pieces left of this pediment, which are to be found in the British Museum. The reconstitution (below) in the Acropolis museum clearly shows off the missing elements.