Praxiteles

Praxiteles, born in Athens around three hundred ninety-five BC, emerged as the most celebrated sculptor of the Attic school during the fourth century BC. He was the son of Cephisodotus the Elder and is renowned for pioneering the life-size representation of the nude female form in sculpture, a groundbreaking achievement in the art of his time.

Although no sculptures can be definitively attributed to Praxiteles, numerous copies of his works have survived through the ages. His influence is well-documented by several ancient authors, including Pliny the Elder, who praised his artistry. Additionally, coins featuring silhouettes of his famous statues provide further evidence of his impact on the artistic landscape of the period.

A fascinating aspect of Praxiteles' life is his reputed relationship with Phryne, a beautiful courtesan from Thespia, which has inspired a wealth of artistic interpretations across various mediums, from paintings by Gérôme to operatic works by Saint-Saëns and shadow plays by Donnay.

There exists some debate among scholars regarding the identity of Praxiteles, with some suggesting that there were two sculptors sharing the name—one a contemporary of Pheidias and the other his more renowned grandson. However, the lack of concrete evidence leaves this theory open to speculation.