Phidias, also spelled Pheidias, (flourished c. 490–430 bce), Athenian sculptor, the artistic director of the construction of the Parthenon, who created its most important religious images and supervised and probably designed its overall sculptural decoration. Little is known about Phidias's life. ...

Why was Phidias important to Greek artwork?

Given free rein by powerful patrons, Phidias was able to create some of the most beautiful works of the high classical period. He was one of the most important creators of the idealistic, classical style that distinguishes Greek art in the late 5th century BCE.

What was Phidias known for?

Phidias was renowned for his massive chryselephantine statues, which unfortunately no longer remain. His creations included the chryselephantine cult statue of Zeus for the cella in the Temple of Zeus at Olympia and the Athena in the Parthenon, which are known through copies completed on a much smaller scale.