Phidias
Greek·-480–-430
No Portrait Available
Phidias (c. 480-430 BCE) was the most celebrated sculptor of ancient Greece and the artistic director of Athens' Golden Age building program under Pericles. He oversaw the sculptural decoration of the Parthenon and created two of the ancient world's most famous works: the colossal chryselephantine (gold and ivory) statue of Athena Parthenos inside the Parthenon and the seated Zeus at Olympia, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Neither statue survives. The Zeus was reportedly so awe-inspiring that the Roman general Aemilius Paullus said seeing it was like being in the presence of the god himself. Phidias was eventually charged with embezzling gold meant for the Athena statue. The Parthenon marbles (Elgin Marbles) in London are attributed to his workshop.
Sculptures by Phidias
1 sculpture catalogued with museum locations. Browse all sculptures
About Phidias
Phidias created the statue of Zeus at Olympia (one of the Seven Wonders) and the Athena Parthenos inside the Parthenon. Both were colossal gold-and-ivory statues, now lost. He also directed the Parthenon's sculptural program.
No original works by Phidias survive. The Parthenon sculptures (Elgin Marbles) at the British Museum were carved under his supervision. Roman copies and ancient descriptions give us an idea of his lost chryselephantine statues.
Love Phidias's Style?
Explore art inspired by their style.
Browse Collection