The East Pediment from the Treasury of the Siphnians is a marble relief dating back to the latter part of the 6th century BC, during the prosperous Archaic era of Greek art and architecture. This imposing artifact foregrounds a dramatic scene from Greek mythology, where deities affiliated with both the Trojans and Greeks during the Trojan War are depicted in a vehement contest over a holy tripod.
This narrative is detailed upon the marble surface with well-preserved, meticulously carved figures representing the relevant gods such as Athena, Apollo, Artemis, and Hera. Each figure exhibits a precise execution of form and detail, with observable intricacies observed in the weaponry, clothing, and facial expressions indicative of the time period. The artifact measures an approximate length of 2.65m, with the deities positioned in dynamic stances engaging in the battle.
The East Pediment reveals the inclusion of opulent decorative elements common in Archaic Greek art and emphasizes the financial prosperity of Siphnia during this era. Unveiled during the French excavations in the 19th century, the artifact retains significant original detail despite the extensive time elapsed since its creation.
