Polykleitos the Younger
Who was Polykleitos the Younger?
4th-century BC Greek architect and sculptor
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Polykleitos the Younger (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Polykleitos the Younger was an ancient Greek architect and sculptor active in the 4th century BC. Born in Argos, he was the son of the well-known sculptor Polykleitos the Elder. His father's work in sculpture and his writings on human proportion set a high bar. Nevertheless, Polykleitos the Younger made a name for himself, particularly in architecture, which eventually became more historically significant than his sculptural work.
As a sculptor, he followed in his father's footsteps by creating bronze statues of athletes. Some of his known works include statues of athletes like Agenor, Pythokles, and Xenokles at Olympia. Having his sculptures placed at such a prestigious site was a great honor both for the athletes and for him as an artist.
However, Polykleitos the Younger is best remembered for his contributions to architecture. He is credited with designing the Theatre and the Tholos at Epidaurus, both in the sanctuary of Asklepios in northeastern Peloponnese. The Theatre of Epidaurus, started around 360 BC, is considered one of the best examples of ancient Greek theater design. Its acoustics were so well-planned that sound carries clearly throughout the seating area, a feature that still amazes engineers and scholars today. The theater's proportions and its integration into the hillside showcase the top ideals of Greek architectural planning.
The Tholos at Epidaurus, a complex circular building, highlighted Polykleitos the Younger's skill in decorative architecture. Its interior featured Corinthian columns with detailed capitals, among the earliest uses of the Corinthian style. These capitals greatly influenced later Greek and Roman architects, helping popularize the Corinthian style. The building's interior layout and fine stonework reflect his technical skill and artistic ambition.
Before Fame
Polykleitos the Younger was born in Argos, a city in northeastern Peloponnese known for its great sculptural tradition. As the son of Polykleitos the Elder, a key Greek sculptor of the 5th century BC, he grew up surrounded by the practices, theories, and workshops of bronze casting and stone carving. His father's well-known guide, the Canon, which outlined mathematical rules for ideal human proportions, would have been part of his artistic training.
The 4th century BC in Greece was a time of artistic experimentation and growing architectural ambition. Places like Epidaurus were being turned into major religious and civic centers, creating a big demand for architects and sculptors. This atmosphere allowed Polykleitos the Younger to go beyond sculpture and use his knowledge of proportion and form in architecture, a shift that shaped his historical standing.
Key Achievements
- Designed the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, one of the best-preserved and acoustically celebrated theatres of antiquity
- Architected the Tholos at Epidaurus, featuring early elaborate Corinthian capitals that influenced later architectural traditions
- Created bronze athlete statues of Agenor, Pythokles, and Xenokles for the sanctuary at Olympia
- Helped establish the visual conventions of the Corinthian architectural order through his work at Epidaurus
Did You Know?
- 01.The Theatre of Epidaurus is so acoustically precise that a coin dropped in the orchestra can reportedly be heard from the uppermost rows of seats.
- 02.The Tholos at Epidaurus contained both Doric columns on its exterior and Corinthian columns on its interior, making it a notable early showcase for the Corinthian order in a prominent context.
- 03.Polykleitos the Younger's three known athlete statues at Olympia — those of Agenor, Pythokles, and Xenokles — follow a tradition established by his father, who also created athlete portraits for major Panhellenic sanctuaries.
- 04.The Theatre of Epidaurus, begun around 360 BC, could accommodate approximately 14,000 spectators and remains in use for theatrical performances today.
- 05.Despite sharing his name and profession with his famous father, ancient sources treated Polykleitos the Younger as a distinct and independently accomplished figure, particularly praising his architectural work.