Fidias
1300.00x cm
Statue of Zeus at Olympia
Artist
FidiasDescription
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia was a giant seated figure about 12.4 m tall, made by the Greek sculptor Phidias around 435 BC. It was a chryselephantine sculpture made of ivory and gold, depicting Zeus sitting on a grand throne.
Historical Context
Commissioned by the Eleans for the Temple of Zeus at Olympia during the height of the ancient Greek civilization, it was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Artistic Movement
Classical Greek Art
Dimensions
12.40 × 6.00 m
Materials
Ivory and gold
Technique
Chryselephantine sculpture
Conservation Status
unknown
Location
Unknow
Provenance
Commissioned by the Eleans, the statue was housed in the Temple of Zeus until it was lost before the end of the 6th century AD.
Exhibition History
Not applicable, as the statue no longer exists.
Inscriptions & Signatures
Inscribed with Pantarkes kalos on Zeus's finger.
Frame Information
No frame, as it was a freestanding statue.
Condition Reports
Unknown due to its destruction and loss.
References & Bibliography
Described by ancient authors Strabo and Pausanias.