http://www.theroot.com/articles/history/2014/01/blacks_in_western_art_greek_sculpture_shows_black_groom_steadying_a_horse.html

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This image is part of a weekly series that The Root is presenting in conjunction with the Image of the Black in Western Art Archive at Harvard University's W.E.B. Du Bois Research Institute, part of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research.

One of the most well-preserved, vivid impressions of the ancient Greek exaltation of the living form is evoked with consummate artistry in this sumptuous marble relief, carved in Athens more than two millennia ago. The main subject of the relief, as it exists now, is the magnificent steed carved in high relief across the surface of the panel. More broadly, however, its most fascinating feature is the frisson established by the sculptor between the spirited animal and the black groom who tries to restrain it.

The work today consists of two thin slabs of fine-grained, Pentelic marble, the same stone used to sculpt the figures that once graced the Parthenon. Filling the space of the relief is a spirited stallion, its every sinew straining as it is held in place by the black horse groom. The magnificent animal is a prized specimen, sporting a close-cropped mane and wearing a panther skin arranged so that the head of the feline hangs from his chest. One of the most remarkable qualities of the relief is manifested by the depth of its carving, especially in the upper zone, where the heads of the nearly life-sized horse and groom emerge from the stone in three-dimensional form.

The black groom wears a chiton, a common garment especially suited for strenuous activity, and short, form-fitting boots. His upturned face is rendered with skill and sensitivity. The gracefully curving features of his face and the tightly knit curls of hair characterize him unmistakably as of African origin. As he whistles through pursed lips, the youth looks into the eyes of the horse to gauge the intentions of his charge. With his right hand he holds up a whip, while he tries to calm the animal with the other. The groom&#8217][/indent][/indent]