Fidias

Fidias, also spelled Phidias, is one of the most renowned sculptors of ancient Greece, celebrated for his works during the 5th century BC. He is best known for his colossal chryselephantine (gold and ivory) statues of Athena, which adorned the Parthenon, a temple on the Acropolis of Athens dedicated to the goddess Athena. Born in approximately 490 BC in Athens, Fidias began his career in a period marked by the flourishing of art and culture, aided by the patronage of Pericles, the leading statesman of Athens. His education and early influences stemmed from the rich artistic practices of the time, particularly the influence of earlier sculptors like Myron and Polykleitos. Fidias's career soared as he became involved in monumental projects, the most famous being the statue of Athena Parthenos, which stood about 12 meters tall and was housed in the Parthenon. This work exemplified the ideals of beauty, proportion, and divine grace that characterized his style. Fidias also created the monumental statue of Zeus at Olympia, which was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. His impact on art history is profound; he set new standards in the representation of the human figure, influencing generations of sculptors and artists. His techniques in using drapery and conveying emotion through facial expressions became foundational elements in Western art. Fidias's legacy endures not only through his own works but also through the classical tradition that shaped art in the Western world for centuries to come.