A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

Smith, William

A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology. William Smith, LLD, ed. 1890

(Ἀμυκλαῖος), a Corinthian sculptor, who, in conjunction with Diylius, executed in bronze a group which the Phocians dedicated at Delphi, after their victory over the Thessalians at the beginning of the Persian war, B. C. 480. (Paus. 10.1.4, 13.4; Hdt. 8.27.) The subject of this piece of sculpture was the contest of Heracles with Apollo for the sacred tripod. Heracles and Apollo were represented as both having hold of the tripod, while Leto and Artemis supported Apollo, and Heracles was encouraged by Athene. The legend to which the group referred is related by Pausanias (10.13.4); the reason for such a subject being chosen by the Phocians on this occasion, seems to be their own connexion with Apollo as guardians of the Delphic oracle, and, on the other hand, because the Thessalian chiefs were Heracleidae, and their war-cry "Athene Itonia." (Müller, Archäol. der Kunst, § 89, an. 3.) The attempt of Heracles to carry off the tripod seems to have been a favourite subject with the Greek artists : two or three representations of it are still extant. (Winckelmann, Werke, ix. p. 256, ed. 1825; Sillig, s.v. compare DIYLLUS, CHIONIS.)

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