The South Metope XXVII, part of the Parthenon Marbles collection at the British Museum, is a prominent high relief sculpture from the mid-fifth century BC. This artifact is constructed from fine-grained white Pentelic marble and measures approximately 1.55 meters in height, 1.10 meters in width, and roughly 15 centimeters in depth. The relief presents a scene from the Centauromachy, the legendary encounter between the Lapiths and Centaurs of Greek mythology.
The subject depicted is a conflict between a Lapith male and a Centaur, effectively accentuated by the elaborate interplay of their contorted bodies. The relief work is crafted with refinement to create a three-dimensional illusion, endowing a sense of depth, as though the figures emerge from the marble surface.
The Lapith, positioned on the left, is seen exerting dominance over the Centaur while unsheathing his sword, reflecting superior carving skills manifest in the effectively rendered action and movement. Conversely, the Centaur is captured in the defensive posture aimed at protecting himself.
Precise detailing throughout, notably in the renderings of drapery folds, musculature, and facial expressions, underscore the sculptor's skillful realism, while a cloak suspended behind the Lapith suggests a battlefield setting.
This artifact originates from 447-438 BC, aligning with the zenith of the classical period in ancient Greek art. It was initially located on the southern side of the Parthenon's outer frieze on the Athenian Acropolis, a site of considerable significance in ancient Greece. The relief encapsulates key cultural and artistic attributes of the Athenian society of that time, showcasing themes of rationality, discipline, and order.
