Votive and commemorative monuments may take the form of major groups of figures, not set like friezes in the classical manner but disposed more three-dimensionally. The most spectacular of these were copied in the Roman period, notably for the Emperor Tiberius' sculpture grotto at Sperlonga.
The blinding of the giant Polyphemos by Odysseus and his companions at Sperlonga
Head of Odysseus in the group (above) from Sperlonga
Niobe and her daughter, from a group showing the slaying of the Niobids by Apollo and Artemis
Cast No. C 195b
The punishment of Dirce (trampled by a bull) at the hands of Amphion and Zethos
The Trojan priest Laocoon with his two sons, attacked by serpents sent by Apollo. One of the most famous of the Hellenistic
(about 200 BC) groups discovered in this copy in Rome
Cast No. B 130b
Reconstruction of Victory monument with Gauls - at Pergamon. There was a comparable group of smaller figures set up in Athens to celebrate the same victory
A Gaul killing himself, supporting his dead wife. From a victory monument set up at Pergamon by Attalos in the 220s BC. This includes the famous 'Dying Gaul'
Pan teaches the young Daphnis how to play his pipes
The Victory of Samothrace, placed on the prow of a ship as part of a dedication celebrating a sea victory
Cast No. B140
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Last updated:
30 October, 2007
Text © John Boardman