The word "chryselephantine" is derived from the Greek words "chrysos" (χρυσός), meaning "gold," and "elephantinos" (ἐλεφάντινος), meaning "of ivory."
Chryselephantine refers to a technique used in ancient Greek sculpture, particularly during the Archaic and Classical periods, in which gold was used to overlay ivory on a wooden core. This technique was especially employed to create cult images of major deities.
The origins of chryselephantine sculpture can be traced back to the Near East, where the combination of gold and ivory for artistic purposes was well-established. The technique was adopted by the Greeks around the 7th century BC, and it reached its peak of popularity in the 5th century BC, during the period of the great sculptor Phidias.
Phidias's most famous chryselephantine works include the colossal statue of Zeus at Olympia and the statue of Athena Parthenos in Athens. These sculptures were considered masterpieces of ancient Greek art and were widely admired for their beauty and grandeur.
The technique of chryselephantine sculpture gradually declined after the Archaic and Classical periods, although it continued to be used occasionally in later periods. The high cost of materials and the complexity of the technique made it a rare and exclusive form of art.
Some notable examples of chryselephantine sculptures include:
These sculptures are considered among the most iconic and significant works of ancient Greek art, and they continue to inspire and awe viewers to this day.
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