Zeus

Ancient Greek Mythology, Religion, Art

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This image is probably of Zeus sitting on his throne in the Temple of Zeus in Delphi. This was perhaps the most famous of all temples dedicated to Zeus in Greece, in part because of Phidias' massive statue. Pausanias gave the most detailed description of the statue:

The god sits on a throne made of gold and ivory. On his head lies a garland in the form of olive shoots. In his right hand he holds a Nike of ivory and gold as well, which carries a fillet and wears a garland on her head. In the god's left hand is a scepter made of all kinds of metal, and an eagle perches on top of it. The god's shoes and cloak are of gold. On the cloak are inlaid figures and lily-flowers.

The throne is rich with gold and jewels, and ebony and ivory too; and upon it there are painted figures and sculptured images. Four Nikai in a dancing pose are represented on each leg of the throne, and two more at the foot of each leg. On each of the two front feet are Theban children seized by sphinxes, and under the sphinxes Apollo and Artemis are shooting down Niobe's children...

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