Callicrates - A Master Sculptor of the 5th Century BC

Callicrates (Greek: Καλλικράτης) was a Greek sculptor who lived in the 5th century BC. He was born in Athens and studied under the famous sculptor Phidias. He is best known for his work on the Parthenon, where he created several statues, including one of the goddess Athena.

Callicrates' style of sculpture was characterized by its realism and attention to detail. He was particularly skilled at capturing the subtleties of human emotion and movement in his works. His use of contrapposto, a technique that emphasizes the weight and movement of the human figure, gave his statues a sense of dynamism and energy.

One of Callicrates' most famous works is the statue of Athena that stood on the pediment of the Parthenon. This statue depicted the goddess in a powerful and majestic pose, with her shield and spear at her side. The statue was lost over time, but it is known from descriptions and copies made by later artists.

Callicrates also created several other statues for the Parthenon, including one of the river god Ilissus and another of the sea god Oceanus. These statues were part of a larger decorative scheme that adorned the temple and celebrated the power and glory of Athens.

Overall, Callicrates was an important figure in the development of Greek sculpture during the 5th century BC. His work on the Parthenon helped to establish the classical style of Greek sculpture, which would go on to influence artistic traditions for centuries to come.