Athena, Goddess of Wisdom

[FrankMi]

Historically, the statue of Athena resided in The Parthenon in Athens, Greece in the 5th century BC.

I have wanted to visit the replica of the Parthenon in Nashville Tennessee since I visited the original in Greece then learned that this exact replica existed just one state west of my home. I finally had that chance two weeks ago and captured the second image below at that time.

The Parthenon (Greek: Παρθενών) is a temple on the Athenian Acropolis, Greece, dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patron. Its construction began in 447 BC when the Athenian Empire was at the height of its power. It was completed in 438 BC, although decoration of the building continued until 432 BC. It is the most important surviving building of Classical Greece, generally considered the culmination of the development of the Doric order. I had a chance to visit the original Parthenon last year.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthenon

The City of Nashville, TN undertook the construction of a full-scale replica of the Parthenon for the 1897 Tennessee Centennial and International Exposition and represents the city’s reputation of “The Athens of the South”.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthenon_(Nashville)

In both cases, we are looking at the back of the Parthenon. The front of the original was covered with scaffolding and a huge crane as they are trying to restore the temple. The front of the one in Nashville was in deep shade and the sun was shining directly into the lens so I captured it from the back as well. Both images contain people so you can get a sense of scale.

The statue in the Athens Parthenon of Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, Prudent Warfare, and the Useful Arts was created by Pheidias and has long since been lost. It was made of ivory and plates of gold. No wonder it’s no longer in Athens!

The replica of Athena in the Nashville Parthenon is over 42 feet tall and is guided with 8 pounds of 24 carat gold. Nike, the Goddess of Victory perches on Athena’s right hand and stands 6’4” tall.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athena

C&C is welcomed and encouraged. Please enjoy.

[Donald]

As so often, Frank, your excellent photography is accompanied by text that illuminates and educates.

[Marie Hass]

Donald could not have said it any better.

Wonderful job.

Marie

[ST1]

As so often, Frank, your excellent photography is accompanied by text that illuminates and educates.

I have to whole heartedly agree. Well done Frank

[marlunn]

Good photos and very interesting details, I have to admit to my ignorance of the fact there was a replica built in America, so thank you for educating me - I love the concept of the 'Goddess of Prudent Warfare'

[John 2]

Nice image and interesting Frank. Is the replica accurate in terms of materials as well as form? I only ask because the level detail is so impressive.

[chauncey]

Frank, well done my friend, you do set a high bar for the rest of us to aspire.

[gregj1763]

Impressive Frank in every aspect, images, information and scale

[pnodrog]

I was thinking of going to Greece to take some similar photographs - but I won't bother now that your ones are so good...
Well done and I enjoy the background information. You must have enjoyed the trip even if it was just along the road.

[FrankMi]

All of your comments are heartwarming! I have been very fortunate to have been able to visit locations like this over the years and capture images that help me remember the past. The best part of the experience has been to be able to share what I have seen with others and the appreciation they receive here at CiC, for which I am truly appreciative.

Nice image and interesting Frank. Is the replica accurate in terms of materials as well as form? I only ask because the level detail is so impressive.

Hi John. For many subjects like this where the original has been lost without a documented image, there are many representations created over the years. The links provided above have images of some of the representations of Athena over the years and also give clues to the construction of both the original and replica.

We know from ancient documents (much of it from Greek mythology) that some of the elements, such as the snake, shield, epithets, and her association with the Goddess of Victory, Nike are associated with the original statue of Athena in the Parthenon. Hope this helps!

[NorthernFocus]

That's pretty cool, Frank. That's a lot of gold gilding. Done in different times. I have a co-worker who just got back from a trip to Greece and Turkey. He was bummed because he didn't get to the Parthenon. I forget why he missed it. But anyway, I'll tell him he can just jump on a plane to Nashville

[Brownbear]

All great, but I especially love the 1st image. (stunning!)

Wonderful read!

[bnnrcn]

Very nice images Frank The angle is great in #1.

[Otavio]

Yes, excellent images and information! Well done, Frank!

[FrankMi]

That's pretty cool, Frank. That's a lot of gold gilding. Done in different times. I have a co-worker who just got back from a trip to Greece and Turkey. He was bummed because he didn't get to the Parthenon. I forget why he missed it. But anyway, I'll tell him he can just jump on a plane to Nashville

LOL! Somehow, it's just not the same Dan. On the other hand, it is a fascinating comparison.

[FrankMi]

All great, but I especially love the 1st image. (stunning!)

Wonderful read!

Thank you so much Christina! Glad you like the write-up as well.

[FrankMi]

Very nice images Frank The angle is great in #1.

I would love to say that I planned that angle with the utmost of care but the truth is that there weren't very many locations to shoot from up on the Acropolis! Thanks so much for the for the feedback Binnur!

[FrankMi]

Yes, excellent images and information! Well done, Frank!

Much appreciated Otávio!

[FrankMi]

I had a chance to photograph Athena's Pedestal but I almost didn't post it.

There were five thick moveable glass panels on wheels in front of the pedestal that were distorting the view and raising all sorts of havoc with glair and reflections. I finally decided to try to post process the five images that make up the panorama. I was able to minimize most of the glare put I couldn't clear up all of the reflections. Oh well, sometimes something is better than nothing even if it isn't as well done as I'd like. I muted the color a bit to minimize the reflections.

[bnnrcn]

Hi Frank, is yellow the original color? I have converted it B&W and added a tint as a trial , it doesn't look bad . But if you want to keep the original colour I think you have done your best for this image

I had a chance to photograph Athena's Pedestal but I almost didn't post it.

There were thick moveable glass panels in front of it that were distorting the view and raising all sorts of havoc with glair and reflections. I finally decided to try to post process the five images that make up the panorama. I was able to minimize most of the glare put I couldn't clear up all of the reflections. Oh well, sometimes something is better than nothing even if it isn't as well done as I'd like. I muted the color a bit to minimize the reflections.