Origins & Early Life

Lysippos (; Ancient Greek: Λύσιππος) was a Greek sculptor of the 4th century BC. Together with Scopas and Praxiteles, he is considered one of the three greatest sculptors of the Classical Greek era, bringing transition into the Hellenistic period. Problems confront the study of Lysippos because of the difficulty in identifying his style in the copies which survive. Not only did he have a large workshop and many disciples in his immediate circle, but there is understood to have been a market for replicas of his work, supplied from outside his circle, both in his lifetime and later in the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The Victorious Youth or Getty bronze, which resurfaced around 1972, has been associated with him. Born at Sicyon around 390 BC, Lysippos was a worker in bronze in his youth. He taught himself the art of sculpture, later becoming head of the school of Argos and Sicyon. According to Pliny, he produced more than 1,500 works, all of them in bronze. Commentators noted his grace and elegance, and the symmetria, or coherent balance, of his figures, which were leaner than the ideal represented by Polykleitos and with proportionately smaller heads, giving them the...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Shang Yang — Contemporary (Born in -390) (-390): Influential reformer of the State of Qin during the Warring States period.
• Menander I — Contemporary (Born in -300) (-300): Indo-Greek King renowned for patronage of Greco-Buddhism and vast empire.
• Pushyamitra Shunga — Contemporary (Born in -300) (-300): Founder of the Shunga Empire, succeeding the mighty Mauryan Dynasty.
• Wang Jian (Qin) — Contemporary (Born in -300) (-300): Great Qin General who conquered multiple states during the Warring States period.
• Abraham Joshua Heschel — Historical peer (Died in 1972) (1972): Leading 20th-century American rabbi, theologian, and philosopher.
• Alessandro Nivola — Historical peer (Born in 1972) (1972): Versatile American actor known for film and stage work, building a notable career.
• Mozi — Contemporary figure (Died in -391) (-391): Founder of Mohism, a major school of thought during China's Warring States period.
• Scopas — Contemporary figure (Born in -395) (-395): Influential 4th Century BC Greek sculptor known for naturalism and detailed portraiture.
• Thucydides — Contemporary figure (Died in -395) (-395): Pioneering Athenian historian and general, author of the Peloponnesian War.
• Aristophanes — Contemporary figure (Died in -385) (-385): Master of Old Comedy, whose plays satirized Athenian life and politics.
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• -300 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -300