The Statue of Zeus at Olympia

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"Sketch of the lost Chryselephantine statue of Zeus at Olympia, seated on a gold and ivory throne, holding Nike and a scepter, adorned with precious gems and intricate carvings."
The statue of Zeus at Olympia was a magnificent chryselephantine (gold and ivory) sculpture created by the Greek sculptor Phidias. Although the original sculpture no longer exists, there are several sketches and descriptions from ancient sources that provide an idea of its grandeur. For instance, a sketch from 1904 by Hermann Luckenbach offers a detailed representation of what the statue might have looked like.

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This colossal statue depicted Zeus seated on a majestic throne made of ivory and gold. He held a figure of Nike (Victory) in his right hand and a sceptre topped with an eagle in his left. The throne was adorned with precious stones, ebony, and intricate carvings depicting various mythological scenes, including the Graces, the Seasons, and Zeus' offspring.

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Download image “The Statue of Zeus at Olympia ”
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    Image
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    jpg
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  • creator
    Phidias
  • rights territory
    The Temple of Zeus at Olympia, Greece