Greek Artifacts > Chryselephantine Sculpture

Chryselephantine Sculpture

Background

Chryselephantine sculpture is an ancient Greek artistic technique that involves the use of gold and ivory to create large, elaborate statues. These statues were typically of deities and were often housed in major temples. The term "chryselephantine" derives from the Greek words "chrysos" (gold) and "elephantinos" (ivory). Here is a detailed exploration of chryselephantine sculpture:

Materials and Technique

Historical Context

Notable Examples

  1. Statue of Zeus at Olympia

    • Sculptor: Created by the renowned sculptor Phidias around 435 BCE.
    • Description: This statue depicted Zeus, the king of the gods, seated on a grand throne. The statue was approximately 12 meters (39 feet) tall and was adorned with gold and ivory. It included elaborate details, such as a gold robe decorated with various mythological scenes and an ivory body.
    • Significance: Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the statue of Zeus at Olympia was a masterpiece of chryselephantine sculpture and symbolized the power and majesty of Zeus.
  2. Athena Parthenos

    • Sculptor: Also created by Phidias, around 447-438 BCE.
    • Description: Housed in the Parthenon in Athens, this statue depicted Athena, the patron goddess of the city. The statue stood approximately 12 meters (39 feet) tall. Athena Parthenos was richly decorated with gold and ivory, featuring a detailed helmet, a shield, and a small statue of Nike (Victory) in her right hand.
    • Significance: The statue of Athena Parthenos was not only a religious icon but also a symbol of Athenian power and prosperity. It demonstrated the artistic and cultural achievements of Athens during its Golden Age.

Artistic and Cultural Impact

Preservation and Challenges

In summary, chryselephantine sculpture represents one of the most luxurious and technically sophisticated forms of ancient Greek art. Using gold and ivory, artists like Phidias created grand statues that were central to Greek religious and cultural life. The statues of Zeus at Olympia and Athena Parthenos are among the most famous examples, showcasing the artistry and religious devotion of the ancient Greeks. Despite the challenges of preservation, the legacy of chryselephantine sculpture continues to be celebrated for its artistic and historical significance.

Sources

Kenneth D. S. Lapatin. Chryselephantine Statuary in the Ancient Mediterranean World. Oxford University Press, 2001. ISBN 0-19-815311-2.

"il en coûta cent mille francs au duc de Luynes pour prouver que Simart ne fut pas Phidias" Boissieu 1869:260.

Catley, Bryan (1978). Art Deco and Other Figures (1st ed.). Woodbridge, England: Antique Collectors' Club Ltd. pp. 1–398. ISBN 978-1-85149-382-1.

Artifacts

Sabalico Logo
Sabalytics Logo
World Map Logo
rStatistics Logo
Time Zone Logo
Galaxy View Logo
Periodic Table Logo
My Location Logo
Weather Track Logo
Sprite Sheet Logo
Barcode Generator Logo
Test Speed Logo
Website Tools Logo
Image Tools Logo
Color Tools Logo
Text Tools Logo
Finance Tools Logo
File Tools Logo
Data Tools Logo
History of Humanity - History Archive Logo
History of Humanity - History Mysteries Logo
History of Humanity - Ancient Mesopotamia Logo
History of Humanity - Egypt History Logo
History of Humanity - Persian Empire Logo
History of Humanity - Greek History Logo
History of Humanity - Alexander the Great Logo
History of Humanity - Roman History Logo
History of Humanity - Punic Wars Logo
History of Humanity - Golden Age of Piracy Logo
History of Humanity - Revolutionary War Logo