There is probably no subject in Greek archaeology which has afforded material for so much discussion as the identification and arrangement of the sculptures of the Parthenon, and at first sight it may seem presumptuous at this time of day to bring forward new views. But, on the other hand, it must be remembered that discussion cannot be wholly fruitless, even if it does no more than bring us closer into touch with the work of Pheidias; and even this well-worn path is not a mere wandering up and down, but sometimes leads us farther. If it is vouchsafed to us by taking thought only to add one small fragment to the Frieze, the labour is not in vain. And so I have the less hesitation in returning once more to the question of the central groups of the two Pediments of the Parthenon.

Discussion on these two subjects has entered (as I shall hope to shew) on a new phase since the discovery was recently made that we must remove one of the figures commonly assigned to the East Pediment and place it in the West. It is now, I believe, generally admitted that the supposed Nike of the East Pediment does not belong to that Pediment at all, but is the figure shewn in Carrey's drawing as in the West Pediment, next behind the Poseidon.