Athena Parthenos

Definition

Athena Parthenos, meaning 'Athena the Virgin,' is a monumental statue of the goddess Athena that stood in the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to her on the Acropolis of Athens. Created by the sculptor Phidias around 447-432 BCE, this iconic work represented both the artistic achievements of Classical Greece and the cultural significance of Athena as a protector of the city-state. The statue's grandeur reflected the values of strength, wisdom, and beauty that were central to Athenian identity and society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Athena Parthenos statue was made of chryselephantine, a combination of gold and ivory, giving it a luxurious appearance.
2. Standing approximately 38 feet tall, it was one of the tallest statues of the ancient world and dominated the interior space of the Parthenon.
3. The statue depicted Athena in full armor, symbolizing her role as a warrior goddess and protector of Athens.
4. The original statue no longer exists, but Roman copies and descriptions provide insight into its design and significance.
5. Athena Parthenos was not just a religious symbol but also served as a political statement about Athenian power and cultural supremacy during the height of the Athenian Empire.

Review Questions

• How does the representation of Athena in the Parthenos statue reflect the values and ideals of Athenian society?
  • The representation of Athena in the Parthenos statue reflects Athenian values such as strength, wisdom, and beauty. As a warrior goddess depicted in full armor, she embodies military might and civic pride, serving as a protector for the city-state. The artistic excellence showcased in her monumental form further highlights the Athenian commitment to cultural achievement and their belief in human potential, which were central tenets of their society during this period.
• Discuss the significance of Phidias' role in creating Athena Parthenos and how his artistic choices influenced later perceptions of Greek sculpture.
  • Phidias' role in creating Athena Parthenos is significant because he set new standards for artistic excellence in ancient Greece. His use of chryselephantine to create a statue with both grandeur and intricate detail marked a major innovation in sculpture. The choices he made in proportion, pose, and ornamentation not only defined how subsequent artists approached sculpture but also helped establish a lasting legacy that influenced perceptions of Greek art as a pinnacle of beauty and skill.
• Evaluate how the Athena Parthenos statue functioned as both a religious icon and a political symbol within Athenian society during its time.
  • The Athena Parthenos served dual functions as both a religious icon and a political symbol. Religiously, it represented devotion to Athena, emphasizing her role as protector and patroness of Athens. Politically, the statue embodied Athenian pride during their imperial peak; it signified power, unity, and cultural superiority over rivals. This intertwining of religion and politics reinforced the importance of Athena in everyday life while also marking her as an emblematic figure reflecting Athenian aspirations in both sacred and civic realms.

Related terms

Phidias:

An ancient Greek sculptor renowned for his work on the Parthenon, including the statue of Athena Parthenos and the statue of Zeus at Olympia.

Parthenon:

A temple on the Acropolis of Athens, dedicated to Athena, which is a quintessential example of Classical Greek architecture and houses the statue of Athena Parthenos.

Classical Greek Sculpture: A style of sculpture that emerged in ancient Greece characterized by naturalism, idealized forms, and an emphasis on proportion and anatomy, exemplified by works like the Athena Parthenos.