East Pediment of Siphnian Treasury

Abstract

Pediment depicting a dispute between Hercules and Apollo over the Delphic Tripod. Zeus stands in the center and attempts to mediate the dispute.

Description

Directly above the east frieze (DH.77) sits this pediment, depicting a struggle over the Delphic Tripod. In the central three figures, we see Apollo (left) and Hercules (right) each pulling at the tripod, while the middle figure, identified as Zeus, attempts to mediate. Apollodoros relates a story that fits the scene, where Hercules, overcome with illness, seeks the Oracle for help. At the Oracle's refusal to speak, Hercules siezed the tripod and attempted to leave before being stopped by Apollo and eventually Zeus. Artemis stands behind Apollo holding his waist, and in the far left of the image is a horse, part of a team pulling a chariot. The figures on the right behind Hercules are tentatively identified as Athena and Iolaos, who stand before a pair of rearing horses. All of the figures are carved in high relief, with the back wall receding and leaving the torsos free standing.

Image Notes

Creation date unknown. Photograph processed July 1978. Notes written on the slide or index: Siphinian Treasury's E. Pediment: Dispute between Apollo + Hercules.

Identifier DH.078
Collection DH: Delphi
Location Delfoi, Greece
Year 1978
Batch Stamp JUL 78
Printed Date July, 1978
Slide Notes Siphinian Treasury's E. Pediment: Dispute between Apollo + Hercules
Index Notes E. Pediment: Dispute 'twn Apollo + Hercules
Marker
General Location Delphi Archaeological Museum