These figures in pentelic marble were taken by the agents of Lord Elgin
from the east pediment of the Parthenon in 1801. They were bought by
the English Government and are now in the British Museum, London. There
are no restorations.
The “blind decrees of Fate” recline negligently on rocky ground. Two of
them seem almost as if about to rise, the third is leaning on the bosom
of her companion. Their forms are large and robust, but at the same
time supple and graceful and expressing perfect maturity of womanhood.
The flowing folds of their garments reveal as well as conceal the
charming outlines of their limbs. “The dress is the echo of the form.”
[Illustration]
Meleager.
“The Graceful Hunter.”
“_Rock-rooted, fair with fierce and fastened lips,
Clear eyes and springing muscles and shortening limb,--
With chin aslant indrawn to a tightening throat,
Grave, and with gathered sinews, like a god,--
Aimed at the left side his well-handled spear,
Grasped where the ash was knottiest hewn, and smote,
And with no missile wound, the monstrous boar
Right in the hairiest hollow of his hide,
Under the last rib, sheer through bulk and bone,
Deep in; and deeply smitten, and to death.
The heavy horror with his hanging shafts
Leapt, and fell furiously, and from raging lips
Foamed out the latest wrath of all his life._”
--SWINBURNE.