The frieze, which along with the metopes and tympanum is one of three main elements of the temple's sculptural ornament, depicts a unique illustration of the Athenian community at ceremonial festivities. The sculptor Phidias, from whom came, among others, the Athena Parthenos and the statue of Zeus of Olympia, presents his latest creation - the sculptural decoration at the Parthenon - to some friends, including the statesman Pericles, on whose initiative the Parthenon was built, and the philosopher Socrates, all of whom are dressed in elegant contemporary togas. Depicted here is a scene from the 5th century BC, which the artist took from Plutarch's descriptions of the life of Pericles. Phidias showing the Frieze of the Parthenon to his Friends from 1868 shows - as probably most of his works - Alma-Tadema's interest in ancient Greece and also his eye for detail.
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