Born: 488 BC

Died: 431 BC

He first comes into notice as a sculptor about 470 B.C. No originals of his work exist, but his recognition as a renowned sculptor has been guaranteed due to the praise of ancient writers, as well as the influence his sculptures had on the development of the art. He gained most of his fame for his two enormous chryselephantine (gold and ivory) sculptures: One of Athena in the Parthenon, and the other of Zeus at Olympia. These statues had such a profound impact that they determined all subsequent conceptions of Athena and Zeus.

Phidias was born in Athens. He became a friend and adviser to Pericles and helped him to beautify Athens after the Greek victory over Persia. He received the commission to execute the chief statues for the city, and became superintendent of all public works.

He created the symbol of Athens, the statue 'Athena', and he supervised the construction of the Propylaea and the Parthenon.

Charged by his enemies with appropriating gold from the statue, he disappeared from Athens, presumably into exile. 

http://www.usefultrivia.com/biographies/phidias_001.html

http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/People/Phidias/

http://www.hyperhistory.com/online_n2/people_n2/persons2_n2/phidias.html

http://hoocher.com/Paul_Delaroche/mother_and_child.jpg