Famous Greek Sculptors

El Greco, born in modern Crete, was a prominent Greek painter, sculptor, and architect of the Spanish Renaissance. He trained in the Post-Byzantine art tradition before traveling to Venice and later Rome, where he incorporated elements of Mannerism and Venetian Renaissance into his work. Settling in Toledo, Spain, he received significant commissions and created his most famous paintings, known for their dramatic style and elongated figures. El Greco's unique artistic vision, blending Byzantine and Western painting traditions, influenced modern movements like Expressionism and Cubism.

Phidias was an Ancient Greek sculptor, painter, and architect known for his remarkable works in the 5th century BC. His creations include the renowned Statue of Zeus at Olympia, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as well as the statues of goddess Athena on the Athenian Acropolis. Phidias is recognized as a key figure in the development of Classical Greek sculptural design and is widely regarded as one of the greatest ancient Greek sculptors by critics and historians.

Lysippos was a renowned Greek sculptor in the 4th century BC, known as one of the greatest of the Classical Greek era. Alongside Scopas and Praxiteles, he played a significant role in transitioning art into the Hellenistic period. Despite challenges in identifying his style due to copies of his work, he had a large workshop with numerous disciples. His influence extended beyond his immediate circle, with replicas of his sculptures being circulated widely during his lifetime and in later periods, including the Hellenistic and Roman eras.

Praxiteles was a renowned Greek sculptor known for his innovative and graceful works during the 4th century BC. He focused on human figures and dignified deities, favoring Apollo, Hermes, and Aphrodite. Praxiteles is believed to have introduced the S-curve in sculpture. His works were primarily crafted in Parian marble, with some statues colored by painter Nicias. Praxiteles' most famous works include the Hermes of Olympia and the Aphrodite of Cnidus, which revolutionized the portrayal of nude female figures. His influence extended to Roman copies and his legacy continues to inspire art to this day.

Polykleitos, an ancient Greek sculptor of the 5th century BCE, is renowned as one of the leading sculptors of classical antiquity. Alongside Pheidias, Myron, and Praxiteles, he holds a prominent place in the history of art. His treatise, the Canon of Polykleitos, established a mathematical basis for idealized male body proportions, showcasing his innovative approach to sculpting. While none of his original sculptures have survived, numerous Roman marble copies are believed to exist, preserving his artistic legacy for future generations.

Myron of Eleutherae was an Athenian sculptor from the mid-5th century BC. He was born in Eleutherae on the borders of Boeotia and Attica. According to Pliny the Elder, Ageladas of Argos was his teacher. While none of his original sculptures have survived, numerous marble copies believed to be his work exist, primarily from the Roman era. Myron's professional life as a sculptor was highly respected, with his works demonstrating a mastery of form and expression that influenced later artists.

Alexandros of Antioch was a Greek sculptor of the Hellenistic age, known for his wandering nature and commission-based work. He was a versatile artist, winning contests for composing and singing in ancient Greece. Alexandros is credited with creating the famous Venus de Milo and a statue of Alexander the Great, both displayed at the Louvre Museum in Paris. His professional life is characterized by his artistic achievements and the controversies surrounding the attribution of his works due to missing inscriptions and museum politics.

Leochares, a prominent 4th-century BC Greek sculptor, gained renown for his masterpiece, the marble statue "Apollo Belvedere." His expertise extended to the renowned Tomb of Mausolos in Halicarnassus, showcasing his diverse talent. Commissions from Macedonian King Philip included crafting gold and ivory statues of the royal Macedonian family, demonstrating his skill in working with different materials. Leochares' professional life was marked by prestigious projects that cemented his reputation as a skilled and versatile artist in the ancient world.

Chares of Lindos was a renowned Greek sculptor known for creating the Colossus of Rhodes, a colossal bronze statue of the sun god Helios. Trained by Lysippos, he built the statue to commemorate Rhodes' victory over the Macedonians. Another notable work attributed to him is a colossal head dedicated in Rome. Despite the Colossus' eventual destruction in an earthquake, it remains a symbol of Chares's exceptional craftsmanship. His professional legacy lives on through the enduring fame of the Colossus of Rhodes as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Scopas was an esteemed ancient Greek sculptor and architect known for his exceptional craftsmanship during the 4th century BCE. His artistic legacy includes renowned works such as the statue of Meleager, the copper statue of Aphrodite, and the head of goddess Hygieia. With a keen eye for detail and a mastery of form, Scopas left a lasting impact on the art world through his intricate sculptures that depicted mythological figures and deities with remarkable skill and finesse.

Agesander of Rhodes was a prominent Greek sculptor known for his work in the late Hellenistic "baroque" style during the first centuries BC and AD. He, along with possibly other related sculptors sharing the same name, created significant masterpieces such as the Laocoön and His Sons group in the Vatican Museums. Agesander's talent and craftsmanship were also evident in the sculptures found at Sperlonga. His contributions to the art world have left a lasting legacy, showcasing his skill and creativity as a sculptor.

Kresilas was a renowned Greek sculptor in the Classical period, originating from Kydonia. He received his training in Argos before establishing himself as a skilled artist in Athens during the Peloponnesian War era. Influenced by the idealistic portraiture of Myron, Kresilas became known for his masterpiece, the statue of Pericles wearing a Corinthian helmet. His work exemplified a blend of artistic talent and historical significance, solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in the world of ancient Greek sculpture.

Micon the Younger of Athens was an accomplished ancient Greek painter and sculptor from the mid-5th century BC. He collaborated closely with Polygnotus of Thasos, contributing to the decoration of the Stoa poikile in Athens with notable paintings depicting scenes such as the Battle of Marathon. Micon's talent extended to other locations like the Anakeion in Athens, where his work was also recognized. His artistic legacy was further cemented through his daughter, the renowned painter Timarete, showcasing the depth of talent within his family.

Alcamenes was an ancient Greek sculptor who flourished in the 2nd half of the 5th century BC. He was a contemporary of Phidias known for the delicacy and finish of his works. Although credited with creating notable sculptures like a Hephaestus and an Aphrodite of the Gardens, some attributions are uncertain. He was involved in sculptural decoration at the Parthenon under Phidias' direction and considered the most eminent sculptor in Athens post-Phidias. Alcamenes' style was likely progressive and original, as seen in a Hellenistic copy of his Hermes "Propylaeus."

Butades, an ancient Greek clay artist, is renowned as the first clay modeler in history. As a skilled clay tile maker, he was known for his exceptional talent and innovation in creating clay models. Legend has it that he immortalized his daughter's love by crafting a clay model of her lover's face. This act became a symbol of his artistic prowess and creativity. Butades's professional life was marked by his significant contributions to the field of clay artistry and his pioneering techniques in clay modeling.

Antenor was a renowned Athenian sculptor known for creating the joint statues of the tyrannicides Harmodius and Aristogeiton, commissioned by the Athenians upon the expulsion of Hippias. These statues were later taken to Susa by Xerxes I of Persia during the Greco-Persian Wars. Additionally, Antenor is associated with a set of female figures in an archaic style displayed in the acropolis. He is often identified as the son of Euphranor and has left a significant mark in the field of ancient Greek sculpture with his notable works.

Kritios, an Athenian sculptor, is renowned for creating the iconic marble statue, the "Kritios Boy," which introduced the innovative contrapposto technique in Classical Antiquity. As a student of Antenor, he replicated the "Tyrannicides" sculpture that was originally crafted by his mentor but later looted by the Persians in the Greco-Persian Wars. Kritios' professional career was marked by his mastery of sculpting techniques and his significant contributions to the artistic landscape of ancient Greece, solidifying his legacy as a skilled and influential sculptor.

Euphranor, the Greek painter and sculptor from Corinth, is renowned for his notable works like the "Twelve Gods" displayed at Stoa Basileios. His depictions of "Theseus" and "Odysseus" are highlighted by Roman author Pliny. Euphranor was a contemporary of esteemed artists and sculptors including Praxiteles and Antorides. His professional life is characterized by his mastery in creating intricate and influential artworks, solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in the ancient Greek art scene.

Cephisodotus the Elder, a Greek sculptor, is renowned for his masterpiece sculpture of Eirene (Peace) cradling an infant Plutus (Wealth). He is believed to be the father of renowned Athenian sculptor Praxiteles. Cephisodotus' work graced the ancient city of Megalopolis, now Megalopoli, with many statues. His artistic legacy is defined by his skillful craftsmanship and ability to capture emotion and beauty in his sculptures. Cephisodotus' contributions to the world of Greek sculpture continue to be celebrated and admired for their exquisite detail and artistic expression.

Euthymides, an Athenian vase painter, was an early adopter of the red-figure style in ancient Greek pottery. Renowned for his skills as both a painter and potter, he was considered a rival of Euphronius, another prominent artist of the time. Euthymides was celebrated for his innovative depiction of human movement and his minimalist artistic approach. His masterpiece, the amphora known as "The Revelers Vase," is a testament to his talent and remains his most famous work, showcasing his unique style and technical expertise.

Ageladas, a Greek sculptor, is credited with mentoring renowned sculptors Phidias, Myron, and Polykleitos. His professional life is shrouded in mystery due to conflicting theories about his existence. Some scholars argue that the timeline of his mentorship doesn't align, casting doubt on his role. Another theory suggests there were two sculptors named Ageladas, further complicating the narrative. Despite the uncertainty, Ageladas remains a significant figure in the history of Greek sculpture for his alleged influence on some of the most celebrated artists of his time.

Demetrios of Alopeka, a renowned Greek sculptor, gained fame for his lifelike statues, notably his portraits. One of his well-known works is the Corinthian general Pellichus. His craftsmanship extended to other pieces like the head of priestess Lysimache of Athena, currently housed at the British Museum. While many artworks are credited to him, like the head of Lysimache, concrete evidence is lacking. Demetrios' legacy lies in his realistic sculptures, showcasing his talent and skill in capturing the essence of his subjects through his art.

Damophon, an Ancient Greek sculptor from Messene, was renowned for his acroliths, statues crafted from a blend of materials. He gained fame for repairing Phidias's statue of Zeus at Olympia after an earthquake. Hailing as a prominent figure in Peloponnese, Damophon's expertise extended to various locations including Kynthos and Leucas. His skillful craftsmanship and ability to work with diverse materials solidified his reputation as a skilled sculptor, leaving a lasting impact on the art world of his time.

Paeonius of Mende was a renowned sculptor known for his masterpiece, the Nike of Paeonius, erected around 420 BC at Olympia. He skillfully blended Ionian and Doric traditions in his work, showcasing a unique artistic style. Paeonius strategically used his artistic prowess to convey political messages, particularly during the Messenian Wars, and his victory in a temple construction competition is inscribed on the Nike monument. His contributions to Greek art and dedication work are invaluable for understanding the history of ancient Greek sculpture.

Agoracritus, a Greek sculptor from Paros, was mentored by the renowned Phidias. Despite having only a few works mentioned in historical texts, he is highly regarded for his exceptional skill and attention to detail. Among his notable creations are the statues of Zeus and Nemesis, which showcase his mastery of sculpting. Agoracritus' reputation as an artist of perfection is evident through the enduring legacy of his best-known works, which have stood the test of time and continue to be admired for their artistic merit.

Bathycles of Magnesia was an ancient Greek sculptor known for creating a marble throne or altar for Apollo at Amyclae, commissioned by the Spartans. This work showcased his deep mythological understanding and artistic skill. Despite this notable achievement, no other works have been attributed to him. Bathycles' professional life was centered around sculpting and creating religious art, particularly for important deities like Apollo. His legacy primarily rests on this single known work, which has preserved his name in the realm of ancient Greek art.

Apollonius of Tralles was a renowned sculptor who achieved fame for creating the monumental marble sculpture known as the Farnese Bull in collaboration with his brother Tauriscus. This masterpiece, considered the largest single sculpture from antiquity, was crafted from a single piece of marble in Rhodes and later acquired by Roman politician Asinius Pollio. Apollonius of Tralles's professional life was marked by his exceptional skill in sculpting and his significant contributions to the artistic landscape of his time, solidifying his legacy as a master craftsman.

Agasias, a Greek sculptor from Ephesus, gained renown for his masterpiece, the Borghese Warrior or Borghese Gladiator, depicting a fierce battle scene between a foot soldier and a mounted warrior. His exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail captured the intensity of the combat, showcasing his mastery of sculpting techniques. Agasias' work exemplified his ability to convey dynamic movement and emotion through stone, solidifying his reputation as a skilled artist in the realm of ancient Greek sculpture.

Archermus, a Greek sculptor from Chios, made significant contributions to the art world by being the first to depict Nike (Victory) and Eros (Love) with wings. He specialized in sculpting women draped in fabric, showcasing his skill in capturing movement and grace. Collaborating with his father, sculptor Micciades, Archermus honed his craft and passed down his knowledge to his daughters, Bupalus and Athenis, who also became skilled marble sculptors. His innovative approach to incorporating wings into his sculptures set him apart as a pioneering artist of his time.

Apollonius of Athens, also known as Apollonius of Naucratis, was a late 2nd-century Greek sophist and rhetorician. He taught rhetoric in Athens and was later appointed to the chair of rhetoric by Roman Emperor Septimius Severus. A skilled statesman and diplomat, Apollonius held various high offices during his career. He gained renown for his political oratory and declamations, showcasing his expertise in public speaking and persuasion. His professional life was marked by significant contributions to the fields of rhetoric and diplomacy.

Eutychides was an Ancient Greek sculptor from Sicyon in Corinthia, active in the early 3rd century BC. He was a pupil of the renowned sculptor Lysippus. His most famous work was a statue of the Tyche of Antioch, symbolizing the newly founded city of Antioch. This statue depicted Tyche seated on a rock, adorned with towers, and with the river Orontes at her feet. Eutychides' influence extended to other cities in Asia, inspiring numerous city commemorative statues. He also produced sculptures for Sparta, including a representation of the Eurotas river and possibly a seated Herakles statue.