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Working about a famous Greek artist
Pheidias
Pheidias
Pheidias
Pheidias
Pheidias
3rd Primary School of Riza Zakynthos
GREECEnthos
Pheidias
A Greek Sculptor
of the Fifth Century BC
490 BC – 430 BC
Biography
Pheidias was an Athenian
sculptor, the son of Charmides,
and is generally acknowledged as
the greatest ancient Greek
sculptor and instigator of the
classical style of the 5th and 4th
centuries BC. No originals of his
work exist, but his recognition as
a renowned sculptor has been
guaranteed due to the praise of
ancient writers, as well as the
influence his sculptures had on
the development of the art.
Pheidias is known to have been closely
connected with Pericles, as his friend
and also as his adviser. When Pericles
rose to power in 449 B.C. he set out to
beautify Athens once more after the
victory over Persia. Pheidias was
placed in charge of artistic activities
as the superintendent of public works.
He was commissioned to build the major
statues for the city, and was paid by
Pericles with money from the Delian
League. It is generally believed that
Pheidias directed and supervised the
construction of the Parthenon, as well
as designing the sculptural decoration, of
which the surviving pieces can be found
in the British museum (the Elgin
Marbles).
Pheidias in his studio
There are varying accounts of Pheidias' death, but it is generally
acknowledged that he became the target of Pericles' political
enemies, due to his close connection with him. Targetting Pheidias
was an attempt to harm Pericles' status. They first accused him of
stealing gold from the Athena Parthenos in 432 BC, however
Pheidias was able to prove his innocence. They then charged him with
impiety, based on the fact that he had included portraits of Pericles
and himself in the decorations of Athena's shield. It was formerly
believed that Pheidias died in prison shortly after this, however it is
now more likely that he was exiled to Elis were he lived out the rest
of his days.
A small sample of his Work
The Caryatid Porch of the Erechtheion,
Athens, 421–407 BC
Zeus at Olympia
The west pediment of the Parthenon
Athena Parthenos
Our work about Pheidias