Phidias designed this composition to fit a pediment of the Parthenon. He discovered an entirely new way to deal with the triangular space and mastered the use of the wet drapery of the figures.These have a shimmering vitality and reveal rather than conceal the form. They indicate movement as each one turns slightly. They go from full front to full side view in stages. Continuous narration!
The bodies are all fluidly related. The first woman sits facing front, the second turns a little to the side, a third reclines with her upper body turned a little to the side but her legs are fully to the side. The progression from full front to full side view is accomplished in stages.