Pheidias: the sculptures and ancient sources Vols. 1- 3 (BICS Supplement 105)

The name of Pheidias and the renown of his sculptural masterpieces have resonated through the centuries. Pheidias’s works were endlessly copied by the Romans and his name was used to denote excellence well beyond Antiquity. His statue of Zeus at Olympia was regarded as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and the Athena Parthenos has linked his name forever with the Parthenon and its sculptures. And yet there is no firm proof that any surviving original is by his hand.

What can we know about Pheidias and his work? This book attempts to answer this question by presenting both the archaeological and the written evidence for the output of this remarkable artist. It assembles and assesses all the available material in order to provide insights into Pheidias’s contribution to the development of Greek sculpture. Full and illustrated discussions of the works associated with Pheidias are accompanied by catalogues of each statue type discussed. In addition, the relevant ancient sources are quoted, translated and commented upon.

This book is a comprehensive guide to Pheidias and his works. It will be essential to all interested in art history, the material culture of the Classical world, & the Classical tradition.

This book is published in three volumes:

Volume 1 ISBN 9781905670215

Volume 2 ISBN 9781905670222

Volume 3 ISBN 9781905670239