Phidias (c. 480–430 BCE) Flashcards
Who was Phidias?
An ancient Greek sculptor, painter, and architect known for his monumental sculptures.
What time period did Phidias live in?
Phidias lived during the 5th century BCE, in the Golden Age of Athens.
What were Phidias’ most famous works?
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia and the Statue of Athena Parthenos.
Which statue by Phidias was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World?
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia.
Where was the Statue of Zeus by Phidias located?
In the Temple of Zeus at Olympia.
Fill in the blank: Phidias created the statue of _____ for the Parthenon in Athens.
Athena Parthenos.
What material did Phidias use for his colossal statues like Zeus and Athena?
Chryselephantine (a combination of gold and ivory).
Who was the Athenian leader that supported Phidias’ work?
Pericles.
What famous building did Phidias work on in Athens?
The Parthenon.
Fill in the blank: Phidias oversaw the sculptural decoration of the _____ in Athens.
Parthenon.
What was the historical period called during Phidias’ lifetime?
The Golden Age of Athens.
How did the political and cultural environment of Athens influence Phidias’ work?
Athens’ victory in the Greco-Persian Wars and Pericles’ building program allowed Phidias to create monumental works celebrating the city’s power and culture.
How did Phidias’ work influence future art?
Phidias revolutionized Greek sculpture by improving realism, proportion, and scale, setting a standard for Western art.
How are Phidias’ works remembered today?
Though few originals survive, his influence endures through descriptions, and the Parthenon sculptures are celebrated as masterpieces.
What controversy did Phidias face regarding the Statue of Athena?
He was accused of embezzling gold meant for the statue, though later cleared of the charges.
