Renovatio/Continuatio in Greek times: Four Sculptural Case Studies

Abstract

Four “test-cases” are being proposed, to raise issues of continuity and renovation in Greek sculpture. The first involves the use of pre-existing carved metopes on a later temple, at Foce del Sele, with a consequent discrepancy of styles – as on the Arch of Constantine. The second case views the bronze head recovered from the Porticello wreck as a “Philosopher ante litteram” in type but definitely not to be considered a portrait. The third case discusses the Riace warriors as examples of the permanence of a certain heroic body type. Finally, the helmet decoration of the Athena Parthenos by Pheidias is presented to emphasize a continuing tradition from Bronze Age-Iron Age times still valid in the fifth century B.C. and later.