Polykleitos

Polykleitos, an eminent ancient Greek sculptor, was active during the 5th century BCE and is celebrated as one of the foremost figures of classical antiquity. His contributions to the art of sculpture place him alongside renowned contemporaries such as Pheidias, Myron, and Praxiteles, each of whom left an indelible mark on the artistic landscape of their time.

Among the accolades attributed to Polykleitos is his inclusion in the esteemed Xenocratic catalogue of the 4th century BCE, which served as a pivotal reference for Pliny in matters of art. In this catalogue, Polykleitos is notably ranked between the illustrious Pheidias and Myron, underscoring his significance in the realm of sculpture.

Polykleitos is particularly renowned for his lost treatise, the Canon of Polykleitos, which outlined a mathematical approach to the idealized proportions of the male body. This work not only influenced his own sculptures but also set a standard for future generations of artists.

While none of Polykleitos's original sculptures have survived to the present day, many marble works, primarily from the Roman period, are believed to be later copies of his masterpieces, ensuring that his legacy endures through the ages.