Parthenon Reconstruction
An Analytique of the Parthenon's Ancient Appearance
Spring 2025
In this project, I developed my own reconstruction of the Parthenon as it might have appeared in the 5th century BC. Despite being one of the most well-known and studied works of ancient architecture, there is a surprising amount of academic disagreement even over the dimensions of the temple. I consulted various archaeological sources to determine the most likely measurements of the temple and its various elements, which proved to be a fascinating study of the Greeks' use of proportion.
Analytique Plate. In the background is a view of the Acropolis based on Leo von Klenze's painting from 1846.
Color is one area where there are many varying theories about what exactly the ancients did. Rather than basing my work in this area solely off of a prior reconstruction, I examined recent findings from the British Museum's study of microscopic pigment traces on the Parthenon's statuary to determine how each color might have looked painted on marble and on what decorative elements each color was likely used.