Accessori in metallo nella scultura greca. Il caso del tesoro dei Sifni a Delfi

Abstract

This paper deals with the notion of ‘metal attachments’ applied on Greek sculpture. The aim is to highlight the methodological guidelines of the discipline. The Greeks were fond of attaching metal objects on sculptural surfaces, whereas this practice is not fairly common in contemporary treatments. The survey takes into account the literary and epigraphical testimonia; it discusses some Archaic free-standing and relief sculptures, showing the reconstruction of their lost attachments. The practice grows with architectural sculpture. A well-known case study is the Siphnian treasury at Delphi and its mix of marble, bronze and painting. The monument is described as a whole, especially its technological innovations such as the happy balance between chisel and drill. This analysis demonstrates that metal attachments perform a cultural service, fulfilling Archaic values, revealing identities and iconographies – as for the goddess W8 on the West frieze.