|
|
 |
Undergraduate
Classics Teaching Collections |
| |
 |
 |
|
| Backward |
Forward |
| |
|
| Name: |
Herm
with the Head of Aristogeiton |
| Picture: |
 |
| Description: |
Roman
copy from Hadrian's Villa, Tivoli. From the group of the Tyrannicides
by Kritios and Nesiotes. Base by Pherekydes is modern. Madrid, Prado
Museum. H. (original) 1.85m. The bust of a herm with the head of Aristogeiton,
the elder of the Tyrannicides group by Kritios and Nesiotes. Aristogeiton
has a severe expression, intent on the murder he is about to commit.
He has a rounded beard, large eyes with heavy lids, and a strong,
well-defined mouth. To some extent, this is more typical of the Archaic
than the Classical style, and is thus known as the Severe style. |
| Date: |
c. 475 B.C. |
| Discussion: |
The
original bronze group was erected in the Agora to serve as a focal
point for national and civic pride and political consciousness following
the Persian defeat of 480 B.C. The story of Harmodios and Aristogeiton
and the killing of the Peisistritid Hipparchos (514 B.C.) can be found
in Thucydides VI.53-4; Pliny NH 34.70; Pausanias I.8.5. See also Stewart
1990: 135-6, 251-2; 227-231 (ills.). |
|
