Phidias

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A renowned ancient Greek sculptor and architect known for creating iconic works such as the statue of Athena Parthenos and the Amazonomachy reliefs
2. An influential figure in classical art, famous for his mastery in marble and bronze, particularly in the Parthenon and other significant temples
3. Celebrated for his artistic contributions and role in developing the aesthetic of ancient Greek sculpture, shaping the visual culture of his time

Etymology: Phidias was accused of stealing from his own masterpiece. The statue of Athena Parthenos, which stood inside the Parthenon in Athens, was built from ivory and removable gold plates. According to the ancient biographer Plutarch, Phidias's enemies charged him with embezzling some of that gold, and Pericles, who had commissioned the work, had the plates weighed so the accusation could be answered. Plutarch also reports a charge of impiety and says Phidias died in prison at Olympia, though the details are uncertain. Phidias was active in the mid-fifth century BCE, when Athens was at the height of its power. Ancient writers credited him with overseeing the sculptural program of the Parthenon and with the great gold-and-ivory Zeus at Olympia, which later lists counted among the Seven Wonders of the World. Plutarch adds that he placed a likeness of himself and Pericles on the shield of the Athena, a detail that some modern scholars doubt.