Zeuxis of Heraclea
Zeuxis of Heraclea was a prominent ancient Greek painter known for his innovative techniques and remarkable illusionism. He studied under either Damophilus of Himera or Neseus of Thasos during the turbulent period of the Peloponnesian War. Zeuxis gained considerable wealth and fame, particularly as a follower of Apollodorus of Athens, and he distinguished himself from his contemporaries with a more painterly style that showcased novel subject matter. Notably, he famously competed with rival Parrhasius, with a legendary contest where Zeuxis painted grapes that deceived birds, but ultimately lost when he was fooled by Parrhasius’s painted curtain. Among his acclaimed works were portraits of Helen and a unique depiction of a female centaur nursing twins, though none of his paintings have survived to the present day. Zeuxis's influence extended far beyond his lifetime, inspiring both Renaissance and Neoclassical artists, even as his innovative methods faced critique from philosophers like Plato and Aristotle. His legacy endures as a significant figure in the development of Western art.
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Zeuxis of Heraclea
Related civilization: Classical Greece
Major role/position: Painter
Life
All that is known about the early life of Zeuxis (ZEWK-suhs) of Heraclea is that he was the pupil of either Damophilus of Himera or Neseus of Thasos, who were both active in Athens during the Peloponnesian War (431-404 b.c.e.). It was around this time that Zeuxis achieved wealth and fame as a painter. He was a follower of Apollodorus of Athens, the inventor of shading, although Zeuxis pioneered a more painterly style and became known for remarkable illusionism and novel subject matter. Once, he competed with his rival Parrhasius, painting some grapes that fooled the birds; however, a curtain painted by Parrhasius fooled Zeuxis himself, and he was forced to admit defeat. Other well-known works by Zeuxis included a painting of Helen that reproduced the features of five beautiful virgins, and a painting of a female centaur nursing twins, one at her human breast and the other at her teat. No paintings by Zeuxis survive today.
Influence
Zeuxis was one of the most influential painters of ancient Greece. His innovative style was criticized by Plato and Aristotle and was discussed for generations afterward. The life and art of Zeuxis were a special inspiration for Renaissance and Neoclassical artists.
Bibliography
Bruno, Vincent J. Form and Color in Greek Painting. New York: W. W. Norton, 1977.
Matheson, Susan B. “Zeuxis.” The Dictionary of Art. Vol. 33. New York: Macmillan, 1996.
Pollitt, J. J. The Art of Greece, 1400-31 b.c.: Sources and Documents. Rev. ed. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1990.