Lapith Head

West Pediment, Temple of Zeus

Artist: Unknown Greek Artist Primary

Lapiths
A group of humans from Greek mythology that were beleived to have inhabited Thessaly. They are mentioned as having participated in the journey of the Argonauts as well as the Trojan War. They are frequently depicted in art fighting the Centaurs at a wedding feast in a battle known as the Centauromachy.

Classical
Refers to an ancient Greek style and period that begins around 480 BCE, when the Greek city-states defeated the Persian invaders, and ends around 323 BCE, with the death of Alexander the Great. It is characterized by the rebuilding of cities after the Persian wars, the flourishing of philosophy, drama, architecture, sculpture, painting, and the other arts. In the visual arts, it is known for the mastery of the human form and sophistication of architectural design.

public domain
Land owned and controlled by the state or federal government. Also, the status of publications, products, and processes that are not protected under patent or copyright.

Ancient Greek
Refers to the culture and styles of ancient Greece, generally excluding modern and prehistoric periods, but including periods between around 900 BCE to around 31 BCE. For the culture of Greece in general, including modern Greece, see "Greek."

wars
Events taking place over a prolonged period and comprising open and declared hostile armed conflict between nations or parties within a nation. For individual instances of armed conflict, use "battles."

Centauromachy
A mythological battle between the Lapiths and the Centaurs frequently depcited in ancient Greek art. This event is described as taking place during the wedding feast of Peirithoos, the King of Thessaly. The Centaurs, who had been invited guests, became violently drunk and attempted to kidnap the Lapith women in attendance. The Lapiths ultimately defeated the Centaurs and forced them out of the region.

mythology
Genre and tradition concerning the study of a culture's body of myths, belonging to a particular religious or cultural tradition in an authoritative and official fashion and through symbolic narrative, iconography, or characterization, usually through the forms and personalities of deities.

sculpture
Three-dimensional works of art in which images and forms are produced in relief, in intaglio, or in the round. The term refers particularly to art works created by carving or engraving a hard material, by molding or casting a malleable material (which usually then hardens), or by assembling parts to create a three-dimensional object. It is typically used to refer to large or medium-sized objects made of stone, wood, bronze, or another metal. Small objects are typically referred to as "carvings" or another appropriate term. "Sculpture" refers to works that represent tangible beings, objects, or groups of objects, or are abstract works that have defined edges and boundaries and can be measured. As three-dimensional works become more diffused in space or time, or less tangible, use appropriate specific terms, such as "mail art" or "environmental art."