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The Life of the Greek Artist Phidias
Artist’s Life and Times
Phidias was a sculptor, painter, and architect from Athens who lived between 490-430 B.C. He rose to prominence when Pericles ascended to power in 449 B.C., and he was given the mantle to lead all artistic undertakings in Athens. After the victory over Persia, Pericles commissioned his close friend and adviser, Phidias, to build major statues for the city in order to beautify it. During this period, he created among other works, the three works for which his mastery and skill has an artistic became renowned. These were the three monuments of the Athenian Acropolis including the Promachos, the Parthenon, and the Lemnian Athena (Jones …show more content…
Phidias descended from a family of artists none of whom had attained great distinction as artists in their profession. However, they provided the environment in which Phidias was able to grow his talent and attain maturity as an artist. During his boyhood, the Athenians strived to nationally revive the arts seeking refreshing, authentic, and growth in the arts, particularly supported by the political climate of the time (Hodge 17). He grew up at a time when the Greeks and the Persians were often embroiled in a struggle for dominance, and later years in his life, he witnessed the battles and victories of ancient Athens that provided the perspective of the Athenians victorious struggle to maintain their national life. The Athenian mythology became the principle inspiration of his …show more content…
Some of his works are attributed to his students such as the sculptures and decorations at Parthenon. I am further impressed by how well his art and reputation led him to be considered for more and more important works of art among the Athenians (Stahr 92). However, his demise came from his close association with Pericles, as the political enemies of Pericles chose to attack him to destroy the reputation and high standing that Pericles had built among the Athenians. His demise is reflective of the need for artists to understand the costs that come with political
Professor’s name:
Course:
Date of submission:
The Life of the Greek Artist Phidias
Artist’s Life and Times
Phidias was a sculptor, painter, and architect from Athens who lived between 490-430 B.C. He rose to prominence when Pericles ascended to power in 449 B.C., and he was given the mantle to lead all artistic undertakings in Athens. After the victory over Persia, Pericles commissioned his close friend and adviser, Phidias, to build major statues for the city in order to beautify it. During this period, he created among other works, the three works for which his mastery and skill has an artistic became renowned. These were the three monuments of the Athenian Acropolis including the Promachos, the Parthenon, and the Lemnian Athena (Jones …show more content…
Phidias descended from a family of artists none of whom had attained great distinction as artists in their profession. However, they provided the environment in which Phidias was able to grow his talent and attain maturity as an artist. During his boyhood, the Athenians strived to nationally revive the arts seeking refreshing, authentic, and growth in the arts, particularly supported by the political climate of the time (Hodge 17). He grew up at a time when the Greeks and the Persians were often embroiled in a struggle for dominance, and later years in his life, he witnessed the battles and victories of ancient Athens that provided the perspective of the Athenians victorious struggle to maintain their national life. The Athenian mythology became the principle inspiration of his …show more content…
Some of his works are attributed to his students such as the sculptures and decorations at Parthenon. I am further impressed by how well his art and reputation led him to be considered for more and more important works of art among the Athenians (Stahr 92). However, his demise came from his close association with Pericles, as the political enemies of Pericles chose to attack him to destroy the reputation and high standing that Pericles had built among the Athenians. His demise is reflective of the need for artists to understand the costs that come with political