The South Metope XXXI of the Parthenon Marbles, one of the most intact metopes from the renowned Parthenon in Athens, Greece and part of the Parthenon Marbles or Elgin Marbles collection housed at the British Museum. This piece dates back to approximately 447-438 BCE and is made from Pentelic marble, a material cherished for its reflective properties.
South Metope XXXI depicts a scene from the Centauromachy, a legendary clash between the Lapiths, a people in Thessalic, South Eastern Greece, and the Centaurs, figures with both human and horse attributes. Displayed is a Centaur asserting dominance over a defeated Lapith. Allegorical interpretations suggest that these intense scenes represent the tension between societal structure and disorder, indicative of Greek endeavors to protect democratic ideals.
In terms of style, the sculpture falls into the High Classical category, notable for its precision and anatomical correctness. The centaur is portrayed in a dynamically recoiling pose, with robust sculptural techniques applied to create depth and motion. This pose is indicative of the Parthenon sculptors’ proficiency in conveying detailed movement and emotive tension.
