The Case for Parian Sculptors in Selinus and Western Sicily in the Early Classical Period

This essay starts with the question concerning the contribution of Parian sculptors to the carving of the metopes of the Temple of Hera (E) in Selinus (460-450 BC), in the light of the new evidence that has accumulated since 1994 concerning the relationship between Western Sicily and Paros, and it explores more largely the use of Parian marble and the contribution of Parian sculptors to architecture and sculpture in Western Sicily in the Early Classical period. Today we definitely have enough evidence to make a case for the presence of Parian sculptors in Selinus and Western Sicily in the Early Classical period. The use of Parian marble extended to Greek, indigenous, and Phoenician centers, and in all those cases in which the use of this material is documented, it is possible to suggest the activity was undertaken in situ by Parian sculptors. The exact extent and modalities of this Parian involvement in the carving of sculpture in our sub- region are difficult to assess, being limited to stylistic considerations, but it is quite evident that local patrons greatly appreciated not only the quality of Parian marble but also the art of Parian sculptors.