Greek Artifacts > Chryselephantine Sculpture

Chryselephantine Sculpture

Background

Chryselephantine sculpture is an ancient Greek artistic technique that involves the use of gold and ivory to create large, elaborate statues. These statues were typically of deities and were often housed in major temples. The term "chryselephantine" derives from the Greek words "chrysos" (gold) and "elephantinos" (ivory). Here is a detailed exploration of chryselephantine sculpture:

Materials and Technique

• Materials: Chryselephantine sculptures were constructed using a combination of gold and ivory. Gold was used for the drapery and other decorative elements, while ivory was used to represent the flesh of the figures.
  • Ivory: Derived from elephant tusks, ivory was carved into thin plates and attached to a wooden core. The use of ivory gave the statues a lifelike appearance due to its smooth and pale qualities, which closely resemble human skin.
  • Gold: Gold sheets were hammered into the desired shapes and used to cover wooden frameworks for the clothing, hair, and other details. The gold was often intricately worked to create detailed patterns and textures.
• Construction: The core of chryselephantine statues was usually made of wood. The gold and ivory pieces were then attached to this core. The statues were often built in sections, which were assembled on site.

Historical Context

• Origins and Development: Chryselephantine sculpture became prominent in ancient Greece during the Archaic and Classical periods (circa 6th to 4th centuries BCE). This technique reached its peak in the 5th century BCE.
• Cultural Significance: These statues were typically created for religious purposes and were housed in temples as cult images. They were considered representations of divine power and were objects of veneration.

Notable Examples

1. Statue of Zeus at Olympia

   • Sculptor: Created by the renowned sculptor Phidias around 435 BCE.
   • Description: This statue depicted Zeus, the king of the gods, seated on a grand throne. The statue was approximately 12 meters (39 feet) tall and was adorned with gold and ivory. It included elaborate details, such as a gold robe decorated with various mythological scenes and an ivory body.
   • Significance: Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the statue of Zeus at Olympia was a masterpiece of chryselephantine sculpture and symbolized the power and majesty of Zeus.

2. Athena Parthenos

   • Sculptor: Also created by Phidias, around 447-438 BCE.
   • Description: Housed in the Parthenon in Athens, this statue depicted Athena, the patron goddess of the city. The statue stood approximately 12 meters (39 feet) tall. Athena Parthenos was richly decorated with gold and ivory, featuring a detailed helmet, a shield, and a small statue of Nike (Victory) in her right hand.
   • Significance: The statue of Athena Parthenos was not only a religious icon but also a symbol of Athenian power and prosperity. It demonstrated the artistic and cultural achievements of Athens during its Golden Age.

Artistic and Cultural Impact

• Innovation and Skill: Chryselephantine sculptures required immense skill and craftsmanship. The technique of combining gold and ivory to create large-scale statues showcased the technological and artistic innovations of the time.
• Religious Importance: These statues were central to the religious life of ancient Greek communities. They were often the focal points of worship and played a key role in religious festivals and rituals.
• Legacy: Although few original chryselephantine sculptures have survived due to the perishable nature of their materials, descriptions and small-scale copies have provided valuable insights into their grandeur and significance. The influence of chryselephantine techniques can be seen in later artistic traditions and continues to be admired in the history of art.

Preservation and Challenges

• Fragility: The combination of organic materials (ivory) and metal (gold) meant that chryselephantine sculptures were particularly vulnerable to deterioration over time. Many have been lost due to decay, looting, or destruction.
• Archaeological Evidence: Most of what is known about chryselephantine sculptures comes from ancient literary descriptions, fragments, and smaller copies or replicas. Significant archaeological discoveries, such as the workshop of Phidias at Olympia, have provided important clues about their construction and appearance.

In summary, chryselephantine sculpture represents one of the most luxurious and technically sophisticated forms of ancient Greek art. Using gold and ivory, artists like Phidias created grand statues that were central to Greek religious and cultural life. The statues of Zeus at Olympia and Athena Parthenos are among the most famous examples, showcasing the artistry and religious devotion of the ancient Greeks. Despite the challenges of preservation, the legacy of chryselephantine sculpture continues to be celebrated for its artistic and historical significance.

Sources

Kenneth D. S. Lapatin. Chryselephantine Statuary in the Ancient Mediterranean World. Oxford University Press, 2001. ISBN 0-19-815311-2.

"il en coûta cent mille francs au duc de Luynes pour prouver que Simart ne fut pas Phidias" Boissieu 1869:260.

Catley, Bryan (1978). Art Deco and Other Figures (1st ed.). Woodbridge, England: Antique Collectors' Club Ltd. pp. 1–398. ISBN 978-1-85149-382-1.

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