Stoa poikile
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The Stoa poikile (Ancient Greek: ή ποικίλη στοά) or Painted Porch, originally called the Porch of Peisianax (Ancient Greek: ή Πεισιανάκτειος στοά), was erected during the 5th century BC and was located on the north side of the Ancient Agora of Athens. The Stoa was the location from which Zeno of Citium taught Stoicism. The philosophical school of Stoicism takes its name having first been expounded here, having derived from the word "stoa". Most of his teachings and lectures to his followers were made from this porch.
The Stoa Poikile was decorated by fresco painter and sculptor Micon of Athens in collaboration with Polygnotos of Thasos; both artists worked around the mid-5th Century BC. In the time of Pausanias (2nd century CE), the paintings in the Stoa included:[1]
- The battle of Oenoe (author unknown)
- Amazonomachy by Micon
- The taking of Troy by Polygnotus
- The Battle of Marathon by Panaenus (also ascribed to Micon and Polygnotus who may have assisted in the work)
What is striking about the Stoa Poikile is the contrast between the mythical and historical events portrayed. Depictions of Theseus' victory over the Amazonians and the Fall of Troy contrast sharply with the portrayal of the Battle of Oinoe — the first important Athenian victory over Sparta — and the Battle of Marathon. The Battle of Marathon features most predominantly and as such, displays the confidence and identity of the Athenians in the wake of the Persian Wars, particularly when compared to the two great mythical victories identified above.
[edit] References
- ^ Smith W. (ed.), 1870, Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology. Little & Brown, Boston & London. (Page 466, entry Polygnotus.)
[edit] External links
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