Chryselephantine statues

Definition

Chryselephantine statues are large sculptures made from gold (chryso) and ivory (elephantine), a technique used primarily in Ancient Greece to create striking and monumental representations of deities and important figures. These statues combined luxurious materials to convey divine beauty and status, showcasing the artistic skill and cultural values of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The most famous example of a chryselephantine statue is the Athena Parthenos created by Phidias, which stood in the Parthenon in Athens.
2. These statues were often life-sized or larger, designed to impress viewers with their grandeur and intricate details, embodying the ideals of beauty in Ancient Greek culture.
3. Chryselephantine sculptures were typically created using a wooden core covered in gold leaf and ivory panels, allowing for both durability and luxury.
4. The use of precious materials not only signified the importance of the figures being represented but also reflected the wealth and power of the city-states that commissioned these works.
5. Chryselephantine statues played a vital role in religious practices, serving as focal points in temples where worshippers could connect with their deities.

Review Questions

• How did chryselephantine statues reflect the cultural values and artistic priorities of Ancient Greece?
  • Chryselephantine statues showcased the artistic skills of Greek sculptors while emphasizing the cultural values of beauty, divinity, and power. By using luxurious materials like gold and ivory, these statues represented not only the gods but also the ideals that Greek society aspired to. Their grand scale and intricate craftsmanship demonstrated the importance of art in conveying social status and religious devotion.
• Discuss the significance of the Athena Parthenos as a chryselephantine statue within its historical and religious context.
  • The Athena Parthenos is significant as it exemplifies the role of chryselephantine statues in religious worship in Ancient Greece. Standing prominently in the Parthenon, this statue was not only a representation of Athena but also a symbol of Athenian identity and pride. It played a crucial role in rituals and festivals, reinforcing civic unity and devotion to the goddess who protected the city.
• Evaluate how chryselephantine statues influenced later art movements and continue to impact our understanding of ancient artistic practices.
  • Chryselephantine statues set a precedent for future generations of artists by showcasing the possibilities of combining different materials to achieve lifelike representations. Their emphasis on idealized beauty influenced later movements such as Renaissance sculpture, where artists sought to revive classical ideals. Furthermore, studying these ancient works enhances our understanding of materiality in art and how cultural values can be reflected through chosen mediums, shaping artistic practices across history.

Related terms

Acropolis: An ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above Athens, famous for its classical buildings and significant chryselephantine statues like the Athena Parthenos.

Cult Statue: A statue that represented a deity and was often housed in temples, where worshippers would come to pay their respects and offerings.

Polykleitos: An influential Greek sculptor known for his work in the Classical style, including his own versions of chryselephantine sculptures that emphasized ideal proportions and beauty.