Chryselephantine statue

Definition

A chryselephantine statue is a type of sculpture made using gold (chrysos) and ivory (elephas), commonly associated with ancient Greek art. These statues were often grand in scale and depicted deities or important figures, signifying wealth, divine presence, and artistic achievement. The combination of gold and ivory not only provided a striking visual appeal but also conveyed the idea of the divine through the luxurious materials used.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chryselephantine statues were typically monumental in size, often exceeding life-size, and served as focal points in temples and public spaces.
2. The use of gold for drapery or decorative elements and ivory for the flesh created a striking contrast that emphasized the beauty of the figures depicted.
3. These statues were not only artistic expressions but also symbols of political power, as they were often commissioned by city-states or wealthy patrons to showcase their devotion and status.
4. The technique of creating chryselephantine sculptures involved a complex process where wooden frameworks were covered with sheets of gold and carved ivory.
5. While many original chryselephantine statues have not survived, descriptions by ancient writers and Roman copies provide insight into their grandeur and significance in ancient Greek culture.

Review Questions

• How did chryselephantine statues reflect the values and beliefs of ancient Greek society?
  • Chryselephantine statues embodied the ancient Greeks' reverence for their gods, showcasing divine beauty through the use of luxurious materials like gold and ivory. The monumental scale of these statues indicated not just artistic achievement but also the wealth and power of the city-state or patron commissioning them. Through these works, Greeks communicated their cultural values, emphasizing both piety towards deities and pride in civic identity.
• Discuss the artistic techniques involved in creating chryselephantine statues and their impact on Greek art.
  • Creating chryselephantine statues involved intricate techniques where artisans would construct a wooden framework that was then covered with thin layers of gold and carved ivory. This process required skilled craftsmanship to ensure that the statue not only looked magnificent but also conveyed a sense of realism and divinity. The impact on Greek art was significant as it set high standards for sculpture and influenced subsequent artistic styles by prioritizing both material quality and elaborate designs.
• Evaluate the role of chryselephantine statues in demonstrating the intersection of religion, politics, and art in ancient Greece.
  • Chryselephantine statues exemplified the intersection of religion, politics, and art by serving as both sacred objects and symbols of civic pride. They were often dedicated to deities in grand temples, reinforcing religious devotion while simultaneously showcasing the wealth and power of the city-state or individual who commissioned them. This dual function elevated their importance in society, as these works were not only seen as artistic masterpieces but also as assertions of political strength and cultural identity within the ancient Greek world.

Related terms

Athena Parthenos: A famous chryselephantine statue created by Phidias, representing the goddess Athena, which stood inside the Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens.

Phidias:

An influential ancient Greek sculptor known for his work on the Parthenon and his creation of the chryselephantine statue of Athena Parthenos.

Acropolis: An ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above Athens, which housed several significant structures, including temples and chryselephantine statues.