Pheidias

Definition

Pheidias was a renowned ancient Greek sculptor and architect, active during the High Classical period, best known for his work on the Parthenon and the statue of Zeus at Olympia, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. His contributions to sculpture set new standards for artistic excellence, influencing generations of artists and establishing a visual language that epitomized the ideals of beauty and proportion in ancient Greek art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pheidias was responsible for the sculptural decorations of the Parthenon, including the friezes and pediments that depict various mythological scenes.
2. The statue of Zeus at Olympia, created by Pheidias, stood approximately 12 meters tall and was made of ivory and gold-plated bronze.
3. Pheidias is often credited with introducing a more naturalistic style to Greek sculpture, moving away from the rigid forms of earlier periods.
4. He was also involved in the planning and design of the Parthenon itself, showcasing his dual talents in both architecture and sculpture.
5. His influence extended beyond his lifetime, inspiring subsequent generations of artists in both Greece and Rome to adopt his techniques and aesthetic principles.

Review Questions

• How did Pheidias influence the artistic standards of his time and what elements characterized his approach to sculpture?
  • Pheidias significantly influenced artistic standards during the High Classical period by introducing a level of naturalism and proportion that had not been seen before. His works emphasized harmony and balance, drawing on ideals from philosophy that celebrated human beauty. By blending these elements into his sculptures, he set a new benchmark for quality that later artists aspired to achieve, leaving a lasting legacy in the realm of art.
• Discuss the significance of Pheidias's work on the Parthenon and its role in Athenian society during the Classical period.
  • Pheidias's work on the Parthenon was not only an architectural achievement but also a cultural symbol for Athens during its Golden Age. The temple represented Athenian democracy and power while housing Pheidias's monumental statue of Athena, reinforcing civic pride. His intricate sculptures adorned the Parthenon, depicting historical and mythological themes that celebrated Athenian identity and values, thus solidifying art's role as an essential aspect of public life in Classical Athens.
• Evaluate how Pheidias's techniques and artistic philosophy contributed to the evolution of Greek sculpture in relation to cultural shifts during his time.
  • Pheidias's techniques and artistic philosophy marked a pivotal evolution in Greek sculpture, reflecting broader cultural shifts towards humanism and naturalism. As society began to value individual achievement and intellectual pursuits more deeply, Pheidias adapted his art to mirror these changes by creating lifelike representations that emphasized human emotion and experience. This approach not only transformed how art was created but also how it was perceived within society, leading to an enduring legacy that influenced Renaissance artists centuries later who sought to revive classical ideals.

Related terms

Parthenon: A temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, located on the Acropolis of Athens, which housed a massive statue of Athena created by Pheidias.

Chryselephantine: A technique used in ancient sculpture involving a combination of gold (chryso) and ivory (elephantine) to create lifelike representations, notably used by Pheidias for his statues.

Classical Idealism: An artistic style that emphasizes harmony, proportion, and beauty in representation, reflecting the philosophical ideals of balance and perfection prevalent in ancient Greece.