Greek sculptor. The work of Phidias (in Pheidias Greek) marks the apogee of the Athenian art of the O C front century J. - C., called “the golden age” of the sculpture attic. Although one preserves no work which can be to him allotted with certainty, Phidias is held for one of the largest sculptors of ancient Greece.

It is devoted to the sculpture under the direction of the Hégias Athenian and Agéladas d' Argos. One considers among his first works the Parnopias Apollo, and Athéna Promachos, set up on the Acropolis thanks to the spoils of the battle of Marathon.

Phidias was charged by Périclès with directing work of the Parthenon. The famous temple, built between 447 and 432 av. J. - C., was decorated of 92 métopes (left the doric plank alternating with the triglyphes) animated by scenes of combat. The plank of Panathénées (160 m) glorified the eponymous goddess of Athens whose birth and victory over Poséidon were illustrated on two vast triangular pediments. The participation of Phidias in this creation was important.

One allots to him moreover the statue chryséléphantine of Athéna (out of gold and ivory), high 15 m, which was drawn up in concealed. This work is known for us only by bad copies. The ivory, the wood plated of gold and the ornaments invaluable excited the covetousness of the Barbarians who destroyed also the Zeus trônant of the large temple of Olympie, probably the last work of Phidias.

One does not know exactly how the career of Phidias finished. Near to the power of Périclès, it excited the jealousies and was shown to have diverted ivory. He died, towards 430 av. J. - C., in prison according to Plutarque, exile according to other historians.