Who was Phidias, the ancient Greek sculptor?

Phidias was a renowned ancient Greek sculptor, painter, and architect active in the 5th century BC. He is widely considered by modern critics and historians to be one of the greatest sculptors of antiquity and the main instigator of Classical Greek sculptural design. Among his most famous creations were the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, designated one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the monumental statues of Athena on the Athenian Acropolis.

What we know

• Phidias was an ancient Greek sculptor, painter, and architect active during the 5th century BC. [1, 2]
• His Statue of Zeus at Olympia was counted as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. [2]
• Phidias designed the Athena Parthenos inside the Parthenon and the colossal bronze Athena Promachos on the Athenian Acropolis. [2]
• He is frequently credited as the primary instigator of Classical Greek sculptural design. [2]

Still open

• The historical accuracy of Plutarch's account regarding accusations that Phidias stole gold for the Parthenon and impiously portrayed himself and Pericles on Athena's shield is debatable.

Where to go next

• a case in pointWhat was the Statue of Zeus at Olympia?
• the bigger pictureHow did Classical Greek sculpture develop?
• whoWho was the Athenian statesman Pericles?
• whereWhat was the purpose of the Ancient Agora of Athens?
• compared withHow did Callimachus contribute to ancient Greek sculpture?
• an unexpected connectionHow did political conflict entangle the creation of sacred art?Enemies of the statesman Pericles targeted his close friend Phidias with criminal accusations regarding the sacred gold of the Parthenon to indirectly attack Pericles himself.

Sources

• [1]Phidias (Wikidata Q177302) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Phidias · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Ancient Greek sculpture · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Ancient Agora of Athens · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Callimachus (sculptor) · CC BY-SA 4.0