Phidias
by Simon King

 

 

Every culture wants to leave an indelible impact on posterity. Whilst we remember many ancient cultures for their works in literature, philosophy, painting or music, a great building always acquires special resonances. It is a tangible proof, right there before your very eyes, of that culture. You walk into a building that has been built thousands of years ago and it is as if you are communing with the past. Whilst Athens is remembered more than any other ancient Greek city state, the building and the sculpture that this story will look at was built in Elis. Whilst some ancient monuments survive, it probably was destroyed around the time of Theodosius’ brutal repression of pagan culture.

This was the massive sculpture of Zeus, the sky and thunder God, at Olympia. The Greek sculptor and architect Phidias had been ostracised from Athens for various indiscretions, so the Elians brought him over. They wanted to outdo the Athenians, so they brought in the foremost Athenian sculptor to create a religious monument for them.

The massive sculpture was placed in a temple, occupying half of it. The sculpture was so large and imposing that it gave the impression that Zeus actually stood there. Zeus stood on a throne, clad in a golden robe. On his right hand, he had a small statue of Nike, goddess of victory. On his left hand, built with many metals, he held an eagle.  He was bearded and his hair was wreathed with a branch of olive. He had golden sandals which rested upon a footstool. The statue was coated with olive oil to protect it. Phidias also immortalised Pantharkes, the winner of the boys’ wrestling tournament at the eighty-sixth Olmpiad. He carved his name on Zeus’ little finger.

The floor surrounding the sculpture was paved with black tiles and surrounded by marble. There was a reservoir beneath it, which acted as a reflecting pool, doubling the height of the statue.

A man gazed at the image of the sculpture reflected on the pool. As he arched over a bit more, he saw his own grinning face reflected on the pool. This individual, an Elian named Leo, turned around and saw two other people there – Phidias himself and another Athenian by the name of Ampelios.

‘This is a great work – it is as if you are in the presence of Zeus himself,’ Leo said. ‘It is good that we have this building in Elis – it has been suggested that many Athenians are already jealous. Many pilgrims from other parts of the world are coming over specifically to see it, as it is one of the wonders of the world. And it is all thanks to you, Phidias.’

‘Yes,’ Phidias replied. ‘I think that this is my greatest work yet. Although I am an Athenian, it is not situated in Athens.’

‘It would be great if we had such a marvellous work in Athens,’ Ampelios interjected.

‘How long did you work on it?’ Leo asked.

‘I worked on it for over five years in a workshop here in Elis. I used ivory plates, gold panels, wooden framework, alongside ebony, ivory, gold and stones,’ Phidias continued. ‘I am glad that all this work has paid off and that we have this great monument, a tribute to the greatest gods of all, the god of sky and thunder. We need something like this, to commune with a divine figure.’

‘A single glimpse makes you forget all of your earthly problems,’ Ampelios retorted.

‘Without doubt, a great achievement,’ Leo concurred.

‘Carthagians, Syracusans, Megarians, Thebians, Spartans, Thessalians, Lydians, Amphipolians, even Persians are coming here… Making the long journey to see this marvellous artefact. Let us not forget Athenians like myself, many out of spiteful jealousy… However, I do not feel jealous – on the contrary, I think that this is a remarkable achievement,’ Ampelios said.

‘And you have immortalised Pantharkes,’ Leo continued.

‘Oh yes,’ Phidias replied.

Just as he stopped saying this, a figure appeared in the distance. It was a young man, with swarthy skin, short hair and virile arms. He walked on the aisle next to the pool of water and approached the massive statue. He gazed up at it, with an impish grin on his face.

‘And he is here right now,’ Phidias said.

‘You admire this young man,’ Leo asked.

‘Why else would I have carved his name on Zeus’ little finger?’ Phidias replied.

‘It is… beautiful,’ the young man said.

‘Will it incentivise you to compete in more wrestling games?’ Ampelios asked.

‘Oh yes, every time I train and compete, I will come here for quiet reflection… and gaze up at the towering presence of this large marble sculpture… commemorating one of our very great gods,’ Pantharkes said.   

‘And think… your name is immortalised on Zeus’ little finger. As people forget about all the wrestling tournaments, your name will stay etched there…’ Ampelios answered.

‘Yes.’

‘Well, will you return to Athens?’ Ampelios asked.

‘No, I mean, they ostracised me… In any case, I feel more comfortable here at Elis,’ Phidias continued. ‘I have never felt more comfortable, serene and at peace than the last five years I have spent sculpting at my workshop. It is a eulogy to the divine, but also a eulogy to the lovely Pantharkes.

The young man smiled nervously. All four individuals gazed upwards, to the ceiling, to the towering presence of Zeus large, foreboding and commanding face. They all felt content, overjoyed and serene.   

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