The South Metope IV from the Parthenon Marbles is a classical Greek sculptural fragment that was part of a larger set produced between 447 and 438 BC. Reflective of the High Classical style, it provides a window into the societal and political dynamics of 5th century BC Athens. It is carved from Pentelic marble, a material sourced from the vicinity of Mount Pentelicus, near Athens, identified by its stark whiteness and fine textural quality.
The relief portrays two figures partially unclothed – a Centaur and a Lapith – in battle. This subject repeats in the series, echoing the mythical battle between the Lapiths, a virtuous Greek tribe, and the untamed Centaurs. It is a likely allegory for the conflict between civilization, symbolized by the Lapiths, and disorder, represented by the Centaurs, indicative of the Athenian worldview of its time.
Despite its weathered condition, South Metope IV retains a considerable amount of detail. The composition is dynamic, displaying the Centaur's robust physique contrasted with a traditionally athletic human Lapith in opposition. The figures are scaled to fit the metope's square boundary, thereby increasing the intensity of the implied conflict.
As a significant historical artifact, South Metope IV offers in-depth understanding of the artistic and cultural nuances of its time period. The considerable esteem in which these sculptures were held manifests through contemporary reactions to the Parthenon’s overall decorations, embodying rationality, physical idealization, and civic pride of Athens.
