sculpted by Praxiteles
Praxiteles
Hermes with infant Dionysus
Olympia
Sculptures about real life
Praxiteles was a renowned Ancient Greek sculptor who lived during the 4th century BCE. He is considered one of the greatest sculptors of his time and is known for his lifelike and sensual portrayals of human figures.
One of Praxiteles' most famous sculptures is the Hermes with infant Dionysus. This marble sculpture depicts the god Hermes holding the infant god Dionysus. It is believed to have been created around 330 BCE and is now housed in the Archaeological Museum of Olympia.
The sculpture is notable for its naturalistic and graceful depiction of the figures. Hermes is shown in a relaxed pose, leaning against a tree trunk while supporting Dionysus on his arm. The sinuous curves and delicate details of the figures' bodies give them a sense of movement and life.
The choice of subject matter, Hermes with infant Dionysus, is also significant. Hermes was the messenger god in Greek mythology, while Dionysus was the god of wine, fertility, and theater. The sculpture captures a gentle and tender moment between the two gods, emphasizing the nurturing and caring aspect of the divine.
Another important work attributed to Praxiteles is the statue of the goddess Aphrodite of Knidos. This sculpture was one of the first completely female figures in Western art. It was created around 350 BCE and was placed in the sanctuary of Aphrodite in the city of Knidos.
The statue caused controversy at the time due to its provocative nature. Instead of depicting Aphrodite in the typical modest pose seen in other artworks, Praxiteles portrayed her standing naked, covering her genitals with her right hand. This representation of the goddess in a vulnerable and sensual manner was seen as groundbreaking and highly influential in subsequent depictions of female figures in art.
Praxiteles' sculptures were highly regarded for their realism and attention to detail. He revolutionized the portrayal of the human body, introducing a new level of naturalism and sensuality to his works. Many of his sculptures have been lost over time, but the influence of his style can still be seen in the art of subsequent eras.