This marble relief sculpture is from the Athenian Treasury, a structure erected by the Athenians within the sacred precinct of Apollo in Delphi, Greece. Dating back to the late 6th century BC, the sculpture adheres to the classical Greek principles of proportion, harmony, and balance.
Dimensions of the sculpture are approximately 21 cm by 23.5 cm, presenting an Amazon warrior atop a horse. The Amazon figure shows distinct warrior attributes including a helmet, shield, and spear. The horse is characterized by its proportionate form and abstract anatomy, suggesting movement and energy.
The composition is set within a precisely etched border, emphasizing the conflict depicted in the Amazon’s control of her horse. Although some fading and deterioration due to age are present, the background's smooth finish sharpens focus on the primary figures.
In terms of style, the sculpture aligns with the Severan period of Greek art, exemplified by the strict, frontal pose of both the Amazon and her horse. This stagnation is characteristic of the archaic style common in the late 6th century BC, favoring symbolic representation over realistic detail.
The sculpture’s provenance from the Athenian Treasury, a dedication to Apollo following a naval victory, increases its historical significance. The Amazon warrior figure was likely part of the building’s design, both a decorative and protective feature, commonly found on Greek building cornices. Representations of mythical or historical figures were often used as architectural elements to convey the period's cultural and civic values.
