Inventory number
Ακρ. 144
Artist
Attic workshop
Category
Sculpture
Period
Archaic Period
Date
510-500 BC
Dimensions
Height: 0.455 m
Material
Marble from Hymettos
Location
Archaic Acropolis Gallery
It was found in 1882 in the area between the Parthenon and the old Acropolis Museum. The head is missing.
The scribe wears a himation that leaves the right part of his torso exposed. He sits on a stool whose legs are rendered in paint, holding in his lap a stack of tablets on which he was writing with the stylus he was holding in his right hand. The details on this statue were once highlighted with colour from which only traces of red have survived.
This statue, as well as the other two scribe statues (Ακρ. 146 and Ακρ. 629), that have been found on the Acropolis are a rarity in ancient Greek art. Many believe that they represent the treasurers of the Sanctuary of Athena, shown recording the monetary affairs of their office. Some suggest they are members of the group that wrote down the first official version of Homer's epics, since prior to the 6th cent. BC, the famous poems were only transmitted orally. Still others identify the scribes as secretaries, who are recording the decisions of the Council (Boule) and the Citizens Assembly (Demos). The official recording of governmental decisions and the office of the secretary were instituted in Athens after the foundation of democracy in 508 BC.
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