LeQuire first modeled Athena's head and body in clay, then made plaster molds. Each of the six major sections of the statue was divided into approximately thirty panels. Gypsum cement and chopped fiberglass were placed in the molds and the molds were chiseled away. Each of the resulting one hundred and eighty cast gypsum panels weighed less than eighty pounds. Here the cast panels for Athena's head wait to be lifted up and assembled on the armature.

LeQuire began by creating a 1/10th scale model, which was based on human proportions.

Next he made a 1/5th scale model which was based on fifth century Greek sculpture proportions. Archaeologists visited his studio to confirm the authenticity of this model.

Like the final work, the models were created in clay, and then cast in gypsum. 1983.

Although the head of Athena was assembled over an aluminum armature, the lower part was made in steel. The four ten-inch H beams rest on a concrete structure that extends through the Parthenon floor and basement down to bedrock.

LeQuire made each of the one hundred and eighty cast gypsum panels light enough to be lifted by one person and attached to the steel armature. Here, LeQuire raises the panel with Medusa's head up and onto the scaffold. 1987

Once LeQuire had assembled all of the cast gypsum panels that make up Athena's head and body, he began sculpting the helmet, Nike, Athena's arms, shield, snake, and the 21 figures on the base. In this photo, LeQuire is working on Nike. Pieces of Athena's helmet are on the floor.

LeQuire has completed the helmet, and Nike (6' 4" tall, 400 lbs) has been positioned. LeQuire is working on Athena's right arm and has begun the armature for the figures on the base.

Here, Athena's left arm, the shield and snake have been completed. 1989

Athena in a more complete state.