An Archaeologist's Eye: The Parthenon Drawings of Katherine A. Schwab

In 2005 the American art historian and archaeologist Katherine Schwab (b. 1954) began experimenting with graphite and pastel pencil on paper to develop a new method of recording her observations of the Parthenon east and north metopes. A tension emerges between what is preserved and what has been lost, creating a theme of presence within absence.

Schwab's drawings arise from the intersection of artistic ability and archaeological expertise. Through the process of drawing Schwab has made new observations and discoveries that have contributed to our larger understanding of the east and north metope series.

Her drawings are divided into three sections. The first includes 16 pastel and graphite drawings of the east metopes which has the theme of the Olympian gods fighting the Earthborn giants. The second section shows 12 graphite drawings of the Sacking of Troy. Seven graphite drawings comprise the third section, which is devoted to a selection of figures from the Parthenon pediments and frieze.

The exhibition was organized by the Bellarmine Museum of Art at Fairfield University, Creighton University (Omaha), and the Timken Museum of Art (San Diego).