Olympia: Temple of Zeus
Libon of Elis
Download1A3-G-O-2-C2_cp.jpg (628.9Kb)
Alternative Title
Temple of Zeus
Date
-470--456Description
General view of the area in front of the Temple of Zeus, depicting remains of votive monuments, in particular the triangular pedestal for the Statue of Nike by Paionios; The Temple of Zeus, in the middle of the Altis, was begun ca. 470 BCE and completed in 456 BCE. This Doric peripteral temple (27.68 x 64.12 m; 6 x 13 columns) was the work of the Elian architect Libon. The largest temple in the Peloponnese, it was considered the finest expression and the 'canon' of the Doric order. It was constructed of local shelly limestone covered with white stucco, with only the roof, sima and lion-head waterspouts of Parian marble. Later, the frequent local earthquakes made replacements of Pentelic marble necessary. The marble pedimental groups are among the finest examples of Early Classical sculpture. Source: Grove Art Online; http://www.groveart.com/ (accessed 11/4/2007)
Type of Work
templeSubject
architectural exteriors, deities, mythology (Classical), Early Classical
Rights
Rights Statement
Licensed for educational and research use by the MIT community only