Phidias

fid'i-as, the most famous of Greek sculptors. Little is known of his personal life. He was born about 500 B. C. During the administration of Pericles he had an army of sculptors at command and was intrusted with the adornment of public buildings of that period. The colossal statue of Athena in gold and ivory on the Acropolis was the work of the sculptor himself. It is understood that the marvelous friezes of the Parthenon and other buildings were designed by him and were executed under his immediate eye. As is known, a portion of this sculpture was removed by Lord Elgin to the British Museum where it may still be seen. Still another work, called by many his masterpiece, was a gold and ivory statue of Zeus in the temple of that god at Olympia.

Phidias had the disposition of much treasure and the distribution of public works on a large scale. As might be expected in a democracy where any one may raise his voice, there were not lacking those who accused him of theft. This charge was made especially in connection with the statue of Athena. Fortunately the plates of gold and ivory were attached to the statue at the suggestion of Pericles, it is said, in such a way that they could be removed and weighed. Though the account may very likely be a mere tale, the exculpation of Phidias is said to have been complete. A charge of impiety was made against him. It is said he was accused of having introduced both himself and Pericles among the figures on the shield of Athena. A bald-headed old man was identified as Phidias himself; an ideal Greek of noble form and face fighting with the Amazons was identified as Pericles. As the shield has long since disappeared this story is also a mere tradition. There is, however, in the British Museum, a marble fragment of a shield on which these figures appear. It may be seen readily, however, that this shield is a piece of later work constructed probably in accordance with the tradition. In the construction of the statues mentioned ivory was used for the bare parts, such as the face, hands, and feet. The drapery was constructed of gold tracery. Light and shade were distributed with unusual artistic skill. Enameled colors were introduced into the statue of Zeus at Olympia with wondrous effect. Like all true artists Phidias sought to combine dignity and simplicity.

See Sculpture; Athens; Pericles